North East Herts MP, Oliver Heald, has given his backing to a Parliamentary campaign that aims to encourage patients to ask their dentist if they are unsure about any aspect of their treatment.
The campaign encourages patients to question their dentist if they are unclear about what treatment involves, how much it will cost and whether it is provided by the NHS or is only available privately. The campaign follows the recent publication of an Office of Fair Trading report into UK dentistry that showed that while most patients are happy with the service provided by their dentist, many may not fully understand aspects of their care.
Attending a Parliamentary reception focusing on the importance of good communication in dentistry this week, Oliver Heald said:
“It is vital that patients feel able to ask any questions they have about their treatment. Good communication between dentists and patients improves health outcomes. Sometimes patients are anxious about asking questions, but I strongly encourage them to do so. Check how much your treatment will cost, whether it’s being provided as NHS treatment and what it will involve. If you are unsure, ask.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
1. The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Dentistry was founded in 2008. The group acts as a focus for oral health and dental health issues for MPs and Peers. For further information contact the British Dental Association, the elected secretariat to the group, on 020 7535 5874.
2. The Office of Fair Trading market study on Dentistry was published in May 2012. The report expressed concerns that many patients may not have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions regarding their choice of dentist and dental treatment. The OFT also called for the current dental complaints system to be reformed, making it simpler for patients and dentists to lodge and respond to complaints.
3. Consumer research carried out on behalf of the OFT found that 89% of patients who had seen a dentist in the last two years had not been unhappy with any aspect of the service offered, and that 79% of patients felt that the treatment they received represented good value for money. The OFT’s consumer research is available online at http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/market-studies/Dentistry/OFT1419.pdf