by Christine Parker BDS (GDC 72136), Howardian Dental Practice
Recent events in dentistry have been a great shock to the profession and patients alike. The closure by BUPA of 85 practices including one in York has led to a reduction in availability of services for both NHS and private patients. The effect of the pandemic has already been enormous for practices, patients and dentists.
If you are struggling to access care and have a dental problem you can call 111, there are also walk-in centres, however, since Covid, these are under tremendous pressure. Your local pharmacy may be able to advise you on pain relief and temporary dressing kits however these should not be viewed as treatment, just a help in reducing the urgency of the need to access proper treatment.
Ringing round local practices is still a good way to access care, although most, including private practices, have a waiting list. The best option is prevention, it really is more important than ever to look after you teeth and gums well.
Finally, in a rare political statement for me, the government have consistently failed to acknowledge the crisis in NHS dentistry, since way before the pandemic. The effect of Covid has been the proverbial straw that broke the camels back. Although we are a private practice we stand fully with our all colleagues who continue to operate under difficult conditions and a total lack of support. It’s time to put the nation’s oral health higher up the political agenda.
Howardian Dental Practice is conveniently located at 11 Alan Farnaby Way, York Rd Business Park, Sheriff Hutton YO60 6PG
t: 01347 878111 | www.howardiandental.co.uk