Dental access in Rochdale borough

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Almost 40 per cent of youngsters aged 17 and under from Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, did not have an NHS check-up or treatment on their teeth in the last 24 months – the longest time maximum period recommended between appointments – and experts fear most are not getting any dental care.

Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale PCT has responded to the figures by underlining "huge service improvements" already underway.

The NHS Dental Statistics for England up to June 30, 2007, indicate that 60.8 per cent of children and 45.3 per cent of adults in the borough saw an NHS dentist during the previous 24 months.

Vivienne Ben-David, Head of Primary Care at Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale PCT, said that the PCT was investing heavily to improve dental access and revealed plans for further investment in new NHS practices.

“The PCT is surprised to see these figures at a time when we are investing heavily to improve dental access. In fact only a few weeks ago a new NHS practice opened to provide a service for 1,000 new patients, assisted by a £130,000 investment from the PCT.

“We can also announce that negotiations are at an advanced stage for a second new practice to open in the New Year, meaning a further investment of £300,000. This process of improvements to dental access is going to continue year on year as part of an investment strategy.

“The published figures take us up to June 2007 so the good news it that the situation in Rochdale borough has already improved hugely since then and will continue to do so.”

Dr Khalid Anis, Clinical Director of Dentistry (Strategy and Development), said: “We recognise that access to dental services is an issue and the new dental strategy we are developing in consultation with the PCT and local dental practitioners will try and tackle this. This does also reflect a national problem and is of concern to many dental health professionals across the country. We are working very hard to improve access to NHS dentistry in Rochdale for all our residents.”