Frustrations at finding south Essex dentists taking NHS patients

Major concerns have been raised in recent with weeks about residents’ access to both GPs and dentists, with the issue being raised by both Southend West MP Anna Firth and Healthwatch Southend. 

According to the NHS website, less than a dozen dentists across south Essex have capacity for new adult and children patients. 

Some have capacity for just children, or just adults, but the majority of dentists across south Essex are at full capacity. 

Jane Cove, a 57-year-old from Rayleigh, said she had been looking on and off for 17 years, and only recently got accepted at Thames Dental Surgery.

She said: “I have been actively trying on and off for 17 years to get a dentist that isn’t private.

“I would ring around all the dentists three or four times a year. I only recently found out about the government website which helps me get into Thames Dental Surgery.

“Around four years ago, we managed to get my grandson a place in Hadleigh, but they were only taking children at the time.

“I actually cried when Thames said they were taking patients and I even managed to get an appointment for the next day.

“It was a huge relief. I have had several infections over the years, and it is horrible.

“I do feel sorry for the dentists though. Inadequate funding makes it economically unviable for them to treat NHS patients.”

Tony Marquis, a 51-year-old dad from Shoebury, is also struggling to get a place for his 16-year-old daughter.

He said: “It has been a nightmare.

“The one she went to when she was younger would only take her back privately and I rang 15 others last week.

“It is ridiculous. Her tooth is playing her up, and if the issue continues we are going to have no option but to go private. Things seem to have gone downhill so much.”

Others shared their views on Facebook too, with one writing: “Not just Southend. I rang 13 near Basildon and nothing.”

A second added: “It has been like this for a good couple of years.”