AQW 2510/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 30/06/2022
Answered On Date: 07/07/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health (i) whether dentists are, on average, dedicating a smaller proportion of their time to seeing and treating NHS patients than in previous years; and (ii) to detail any figures collected or held by his Department regarding the proportion of their time dentists spend treating NHS patients as opposed to private patients.

Answer:

In recent months general dental activity levels have increased from around 55-60% or pre-pandemic levels to 76% as a result of new payment approach and the reducing impact of the pandemic. Specific information however is not collected by Business Service Organisation or the Department on the length of time dentists spend providing HSC or private treatment and is therefore not available.

NHS Digital however carry out a biennial Dental Working Patterns Survey of primary care NHS/Health Service dentists in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The survey is based on a sample of all dentists. Information on average weekly hours, weeks of annual leave, the division of time between NHS/Health Service and private dentistry, and clinical and non-clinical work, is presented as well as measures of motivation and morale. The latest Dentists' Working Patterns, Motivation and Morale report for 2018/19 and 2019/20 can be found at the following link:

https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/dental-working-hours/2018-19-and-2019-20-working-patterns-motivation-and-morale