Devon dentist says all surgeries should do NHS work

Dr Mike Hesketh is the director and owner of Dartmoor Dental in Tavistock

A Devon dental surgeon believes it’s a "civic duty" to take on NHS patients despite losing money doing so.

Dr Mike Hesketh, owner of Dartmoor Dental in Tavistock, said the surgery's NHS contract makes up roughly 15% of its annual turnover, but takes up 30% of its time.

The surgery recently registered 350 children as NHS patients in one week, as part of its mandate that all of its clinicians carry out some NHS work.

Dr Hesketh believes his approach should be replicated in other dental practices throughout the county.

Figures from the British Dental Association (BDA) last year showed nearly 60% of dentists in the South West were looking to reduce their NHS commitments.

Devon is one of the areas now considered a "dental desert", where nearly all dentists are not taking on new patients.

Dr Hesketh wants to buck that trend: "I think our approach is quite unique in the South West. Whilst we do the most advanced type of dentistry and we cover our costs with private work, we think its part of our community good to do NHS work as well.

"If we don't do it, these young children will end up in Derriford hospital, there is nowhere else for them to go.

"They'll overwhelm GP surgeries".

Emily has signed up her two young children as NHS patients at Dartmoor Dental

NHS data has highlighted tooth decay as the biggest primary cause of NHS hospital admissions for children in England aged between five and 17.

Emily Hall was relieved to be able to sign up her two young children as NHS patients at Dartmoor Dental.

She said: "It definitely was a worry because I know that everyone is in the same boat, and everyone's wanting to get their children into a dental practice, so inevitably there was going to be some difficulty.

"But I'm just very fortunate that the books were open here, and I managed to get my children here".

One-year old Mimi is now a patient at the same practice as her mum Sophie

Patient Sophie Ell is delighted her one-year-old daughter Mimi will be seen as early as possible: "It's such a struggle to get your child into a dentist normally.

"It's great that it's NHS, and they saw her really quickly. They took the time to explain everything, as it can be really nerve-wracking for little ones".

Dr Hesketh hopes the new government will look at the NHS dental contract so more surgeries can take on a share of NHS patients.

He said: "I'm hoping the new Labour government will increase or change the [NHS] contract, and we'll be able to actually cover our costs seeing NHS patients".

The British Dental Association said initial talks with the new Health Secretary regarding reforming the NHS dental contract had been positive.

Shawn Charlwood, Chair of the British Dental Association's General Dental Practice Committee said:

“The first step to save NHS dentistry is admitting we have a problem. Wes Streeting has done so [today].

“There is finally recognition that failed contracts and underfunding have fuelled the current crisis.

"We take absolutely nothing for granted, and will hold this Government to account as we did the last.

“But there's now a chance to move forward, to rescue and reform a service millions depend on.”

During the general election campaign, the Labour party promised to create 100,000 extra dental appointments for children, in a bid to clear backlogs in England.

The BBC has asked the Department of Health for a comment.