I moved to Bradford approximately 3 years ago and began trying to register with a new dentist. I was told by all the local dentists that they were not taking NHS patients or any new patients at all.
Approx 2 yrs ago I saw an article in an NHS newsletter about a waiting list for a new Bradford Dental Surgery - I filled in the form and sent it back for myself and my husband straight away.
In Dec 2008 I received another letter asking me to confirm my interest on being on the waiting list - I filled in the form and sent it back as requested. I understand that they were consolidating several waiting lists or databases into one in preparation of the opening of the new surgery.
I have since called the Dental Services number every 3 months (whenever the Community Pride is distributed with the telephone number) and for almost a year now I have been told that I am on the waiting list and I will be contacted. The woman I have spoken with has always been helpful and courteous, but she still cannot give me any idea of when I might be seen?! She says that they list is very long and they have since closed the waiting list.
It has been 2 years since I have had any dental treatment or my teeth cleaned - my mouth feels disgusting. I am at the point of having my teeth cleaned privately, however the last time I did this it cost me £80 and I really cannot afford it this year.
I find it ridiculous that the NHS has not contacted me at all to notify me of when I MAY be able to obtain dental treatment. And when I do contact them, they cannot give me any answer.
I really feel as if I have to either be pregnant or have a rotten spot in my mouth in order to be seen.
In my opinion the way to get dental treatment right is prevention and regular visits with a dentist or hygienist –I do not think that 1 visit to the hygienist per year is too much to ask.
Furthermore, I would like to know what Bradford PCT is doing to meet the dental needs of the area. It seems to me that 1 new dental unit in Bradford and 2nd in Keighley is not enough to meet the demand - hundreds, possibly thousands of people are not being serviced.
"I have been waiting over 2 years for dental care in Bradford"
About: Bradford and Airedale Teaching PCT Bradford and Airedale Teaching PCT Bradford BD5 7JR
Posted by kstearn (as ),
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Update posted by kstearn (a service user) 14 years ago