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Citizens Advice response to the independent review of NHS dental services in England

22 June 2009

Citizens Advice Social Policy Officer Liz Phelps, said:

“People have a right to NHS dentistry, but for many this has been a right they haven’t been able to exercise. This has to change. Citizens Advice very much hopes this report can provide the basis for the Government and dental profession to move forward together, to ensure that NHS dentistry provides an accessible and high quality service for everyone who wants it.

“The report’s findings reflect CAB evidence that more needs to be done by PCTs to make sure it is easy to find a dentist. We welcome the report’s recommendation that information on how to find a dentist should be placed where the public tends to look (e.g. telephone directories, GP surgeries). It is also right that NHS dentists who cannot take on new patients should be required to direct them to an appropriate source of information on how to find a dentist.”

An Ipsos MORI survey carried out for Citizens Advice in December 2007 found that lack of access was the most common reason cited by people in England and Wales for not seeing an NHS dentist:
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/press_20080106

Notes to editors

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more information in England and Wales see www.citizensadvice.org.uk
  2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality. For online advice and information see New windowwww.adviceguide.org.uk
  3. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.1 million clients on 7.1 million problems from April 2010 to March 2011. For full 2010/2011 service statistics see: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/press_statistics
  4. Out of 22 national charities, the Citizens Advice service is ranked by the general public as being the most helpful, approachable, professional, informative, effective / cost effective, reputable and accountable. (nfpSynergy’s Brand Attributes survey, May 2010).
  5. Most Citizens Advice service staff are trained volunteers, working at around 3,300 service outlets across England and Wales.