| answer text |
<p>National surveys of child and adult oral health identify a number of contributing
factors to account for differences in oral health including deprivation, geography,
ethnicity and social class.</p><p> </p><p>NHS England has a legal duty to commission
primary care dental services to meet local needs and to work with local partners to
address oral health needs identified in local health needs assessments. NHS England
also undertake regular surveys of patient access to National Health Service dentistry,
the latest was published in July 2017 and the results from the survey responses are
presented at national (England), regional and Area Team level. A copy of <em>Summary
of the Dental Results from the GP Patient Survey – January to March 2017</em> is attached.</p><p>
</p><p>Access to primary care dental services continues to increase nationally. 22.2
million adults were seen by a dentist in the 24 month period ending 30 June 2017 and
6.8 million children were seen by a dentist in the 12 month period ending 30 June
2017, but we know NHS England has further to go in ensuring access needs are met in
all areas.</p><p> </p><p>The NHS England Starting Well programme will also operate
in 13 high needs areas to reach out to children most at risk of dental decay who are
not currently under the care of a dentist.</p><p> </p>
|
|
