Research to inform Welsh Government plans for NHS dental reform

A research study has identified six key priorities for improving NHS dental care in Wales by asking the Welsh public what they think services should look like.

Conducted by the Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre, which helps ensure Ministers and other decision makers draw from the most up to date and rigorous research, the study used interviews and workshops with diverse communities to discover what was important to them.

The study findings will be shared with Welsh Government to help advance the General Dental Services Reform Programme for Wales, which restarted in April 2022 after pausing during the COVID-19 pandemic and aims to provide access to safe, high quality dental care that is responsive to the needs of the population.

To align with this goal, the Centre’s study focussed on understanding public expectations, ambitions and use of services, as well as developing solutions in collaboration with those affected.

This work highlighted that the Welsh public value easy access to urgent and routine dental care, with top priorities including:

• Easy and timely access
• Affordability
• Inclusive dental services
• Good communication
• Effective care from the right person
• Education and support for self-management

Andrew Dickenson, Chief Dental Officer for Wales, said: “From previous research we know there are key barriers to accessing NHS dental care, however we know very little about the Welsh population’s perspective of an ideal NHS dental service”.

“The Evidence Centre has been really valuable in helping me explore the public’s vision. For me, having that public perspective on what is an acceptable service is absolutely vital when it comes to deciding on policy.”

Professor Adrian Edwards, Director of the Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre said: “It’s essential to ensure dental services meet the needs of those who use them, which was our inspiration to explore what the public think about the future of these services.

“There is no equivalent to this study in England and we’re really pleased to have been able to provide evidence to Welsh Government and NHS dental teams to ensure the views of the Welsh public are central to any changes in policy and practice.”

Following the Centre’s launch in April 2023, the dedicated team has been working closely with leaders in Welsh Government, the NHS and social care to ensure key evidence gaps and priorities are identified to improve health and social care services, including helping people quit smoking and improving access to mental health services.

In this study, participants were asked what they currently understand about NHS dental services. Many individuals have limited knowledge of the dental team, how and when to access emergency services and how to self-manage oral health.

Anthony Cope, Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre Public Partnership Group member, took part in this study. He said: “I was attracted to the dental project because I’ve got experience of being an NHS Dental patient in the past.

“It was very important that my views were heard by people that could influence change in the system, you can’t get much more influential than the Chief Dental Officer for Wales. I was heard and able to influence the whole project with my experience and represent the Welsh public.”

Read the full study report on the Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre website and sign-up to our newsletter to make sure you never miss a research story again.