Dentistry in England has changed …so its time for Dental Choices to change too.
When Dental Choices launched, the mission was simple: help patients find NHS dental care.
For many years we relied on data provided by the NHS to help identify which practices were accepting new NHS patients. Recently, I discovered that the NHS data feed used by Dental Choices had stopped updating. To regain access to current data, a new application process is required. At the time of writing, more than 10 days after submitting the first stage of the application, I am still awaiting permission to proceed to the next step.
Time to reflect on NHS dentistry
Even if Dental Choices regains access to up-to-date NHS data, the reality is that NHS dental information has become increasingly difficult to rely on. Many NHS dental practices are now required to maintain an “accepting new NHS patients” status on the NHS website as part of funding arrangements, even when they may have little or no routine NHS availability in practice.
At the same time, NHS dentistry continues to face significant funding pressures. Reports suggest that current NHS dental budgets is only enough to fund dental care for 25% of the population.
Dental Choices is evolving
Over the coming months, dental practices will be able to update their NHS availability directly through Dental Choices. Patient feedback and community reporting will help us verify this information and build a clearer picture of which practices are genuinely able to offer appointments.
We are also expanding beyond NHS dentistry.
While NHS dentistry remains an important part of the dental system, many patients are increasingly accessing care through independent providers, membership plans, and private treatment. Independent and private dental practices will therefore be added to Dental Choices, helping patients discover all available options in their area.
Our goal remains unchanged: to help patients find dental care when they need it.
The way we achieve that goal, however, needs to reflect the reality of modern dentistry.
Thank you to everyone who has used, supported, and contributed to Dental Choices over the years. The next chapter is about to begin.
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