Oxford's Dental Patients Visiting GPs For Treatment

Thu, 23 Aug 2007

Dental patients in Oxfordshire who suffer from potential life-threatening mouth abscesses are turning to their GPs for help because of a shortage of NHS dentists, according to one expert.

Dr Tia MacGregor of St Clements Surgery, Oxford, claims people are visiting her with painful oral infections because they cannot find a dental practice willing to give them low-cost NHS care .

"Tooth abscesses can be very painful and have potential life-threatening consequences," she said.

"If the infection gets into the bloodstream and goes into your brain it can cause a clot or an infection in the head or neck."

"People who come to me always say they're struggling to find a dentist . I look at their teeth and they're in a horrible condition and often these people haven't seen a dentist for 10 or more years."

A survey carried out by an Oxford newspaper revealed that only four out of 22 practices in the city were taking new NHS registrations, while others charged patients between £16 and £75 for a private consultation - prior to the start of any treatment .

According to NHS.UK only 15 of 54 Oxfordshire practices were registering new NHS patients - who would still have to pay for a basic check-up unless they were on benefits .

Other GPs in the area have also been asked to treat patients with oral problems, with patients regularly visiting for oral care as they see it as a cheaper option than receiving treatment from a dentist .

Last year, the Government redesigned NHS dentistry by drawing up a new dental contract, which was intended to make NHS care access easier for patients across the country.

However, many dentists in the UK were cynical of the deal and withdrew from the NHS altogether.
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