DT News - UK - Public satisfaction with NHS dentistry at 20-year high

Dental Tribune International

Thu. 13 April 2017

save

LONDON, UK: People’s satisfaction with dental care provided by the National Health Service (NHS) has risen further in recent years, as shown in the latest British Social Attitudes survey conducted by the National Centre for Social Research in London. According to the figures, less than one in five patients were discontent with the dentistry services last year..

The numbers reflect some of the highest levels of public satisfaction with these services since the early 1990s and are a dramatic improvement over figures in the early 2000s, which saw dissatisfaction rise to almost 38 per cent, the report said. More satisfaction was only observed for general practitioner services, which scored slightly better in the recent survey than dental services.

Overall, 63 per cent of those surveyed said they were satisfied with how the NHS is run today.

The British Dental Association hailed the results, saying that dentists should take real pride in what they have achieved despite government indifference, sustained underfunding and the barriers presented by the target-driven 2006 contract that still remains in place.

“It’s a miracle NHS dentists have been able to overcome all the hurdles placed in front of us to do right by our patients. It shows what might be possible if this ‘Cinderella Service’ received appropriate priority,” commented BDA Principal Executive Committee Chair Mick Armstrong. “This profession can take pride in the fact that public satisfaction in NHS dentistry has hit a near 20-year high in spite of chronic underfunding and discredited contracts.”

The British Social Attitudes survey has been conducted among members of the British public since 1983. The latest survey was carried out between July and October 2016 and asked a nationally representative sample of nearly 3,000 people about their satisfaction with the NHS overall, as well as nearly 1,000 people about their satisfaction with individual NHS services.

To post a reply please login or register

NHS overhaul sparks fears for dental public health

LONDON, England: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to abolish National Health Service (NHS) England, aiming to integrate its functions ...

Scientists identify predictors of satisfaction with aesthetic dental work

BRIGHTON/LONDON – A new study conducted by researchers at the Department of Dental Public Health at King’s College London has found that some ...

Study examines public perceptions regarding sustainable dentistry

SHEFFIELD, UK: Given the relatively high levels of material waste produced during the course of dental procedures, a more sustainable approach to dentistry ...

Four in five toddlers did not visit an NHS dentist last year

LONDON, UK: A new study by the Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) of the Royal College of Surgeons has found that 80 per cent of children between the age of 1 ...

Results of student survey show satisfaction with UK dental education

LONDON, UK: More than 320,000 students at UK-based higher institutions have taken part in the 2018 National Student Survey, an anonymous survey that gathers...

Blood pressure checks begin at Essex NHS dental clinics

CHELMSFORD, England: The public-facing nature of dentistry has led to clinicians becoming increasingly involved in caring for patients’ systemic health, ...

Dentists fear DIY tooth extractions as Wales hikes NHS fees

CARDIFF, UK: The Welsh government increased National Health Service (NHS) dental fees on 1 April, and the British Dental Association (BDA) says it is ...

NHS dentistry in Scotland reprieved as vital support extended

Scotland, UK: The British Dental Association have said NHS dentistry has escaped imminent collapse, following the Scottish Government’s decision to ...

Private dentistry grows in UK as NHS spending decreases

LONDON, UK: A newly released report on the high street dental segment in the UK has reignited concerns regarding a lack of funding for NHS dental services. ...

Inquiry launched into NHS dentistry services

LONDON, UK: The House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee has launched an inquiry into NHS England dentistry services, stating that the focus of NHS...

Education

Live webinar
Thu. 23 October 2025
6:00 pm UTC (London)