Special Care Dental Service Waits "Really Worrying" Says Health Watchdog

The waiting times for Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s NHS Special Care Dental Service are “over two years”, a health watchdog has told County Hall.

Speaking at the adult social care, public health and housing needs committee last week (October 30), Healthwatch Isle of Wight’s manager, Joanna Smith, said it was “really worrying” that the waits were so long.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Special Care Dental Service provides specialised care for people with additional needs who cannot receive care in a general dental setting.

Those that can be assisted by the service include children who have profound learning difficulties, mental health conditions or severe physical disabilities and adults with a severe disability, medical, physical or mental health condition, according to the trust.

Addressing NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight primary care director James Roach, Ms Smith said:

“We’ve been getting lots of feedback from people that are struggling to access that service and we understand the waiting times are over two years… and of course the people that use that – adults and children – have quite complex needs.

“So, it’s really worrying that the waiting times are so long. I wonder if you’re looking at that and what are your plans to address that?”

Mr Roach answered:

“We recognise that’s an issue.

"One of the things we are doing is getting a more regular track on waiting times now from the provider.

"So, we have a regular meeting in terms of total waiting list, those waiting over a period of time and how they’re prioritised.

“What can we do as a commissioner?

"We put some additional resource into protected sessions and additional hours for looked after children, patients with clinical vulnerabilities and patients who might require a more specialist follow-up in a different setting.”

Mr Roach said there was “probably” a supply issue and pointed to the NHS supporting the orthodontic provider on the Isle of Wight to “recruit another dentist”.

He added the NHS was “aware” of the waits and was looking to “prioritise, put resource in where we can”.