Exclusive: Half Croydon's population haven't been to dentists for two years
EXCLUSIVE
By Brian Haran
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TEETHING TROUBLES: James Butcher from NHS Croydon
brian.haran@essnmedia.co.uk
Almost half the population in Croydon have not been to the dentist in at least two years.
The credit crunch is being blamed for the startling statistic that an estimated 125,000 adults and 25,000 children in the borough have not had so much as a check up in all that time.
It comes at a time when dozens of dental practices in Croydon have spare capacity to take on more NHS patients.
A range of initiatives are now being launched to try and convince people of the importance of regularly seeing a dentist.
James Butcher, NHS Croydon's specialist in dentistry, said: "We are trying to capture those people who have not been to the dentist for at least 24 months.
"Fear of dentists is obviously a reason for some people staying away.
"Then there's those who will visit the dentist when they are in pain, get their problem patched up and then not return.
"But the other thing I've picked up from some dentists in recent months is the cost factor where people are struggling to pay.
"I've heard of a few cases where people have said 'oh my Lord' after being presented with a bill of almost £200."
Mr Butcher points out, though, that under the NHS the maximum charge is £198, whilst a check-up with health advice costs just £16.50.
Some dentists in other parts of the country have had queues around the block once rare and sought after NHS slots become available.
But Croydon is in direct contrast to this - with 40 dental practices currently accepting new NHS patients, with most being in the north of the borough.
To encourage people back to the service, a big marketing campaign has seen posters on Croydon buses and in doctors' surgeries, and mailshots to residents.
NHS Croydon has also come up with an ingenious initiative to encourage parents to take their children to the dentists and take dental care seriously.
Toddlers in the borough are all being sent a birthday card when they turn three.
As well as birthday good wishes, it contains useful information for parents such as how much sugar is in chocolate bars and a voucher which can be exchanged for a Brushing For Life pack.
This contains a kids' toothbrush, toothpaste and oral hygiene information.
Mr Butcher added: "This initiative is the envy of many other primary care trusts across the country."
12 Comments
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by N Firdausi, Croydon
Thursday, November 05 2009, 2:09AM
“My girlfriend visited an NHS practice in Croydon and they were friendly and did a great job:
Family Dental at 262 Portland Road, SE25. Tel: 0208 654 1434 :)”
by Arfur Towcrate, Staffycher
Wednesday, August 19 2009, 7:10PM
“"the finances of the NHS are overstretched, and many feel that because it also caters for all people in the UK, whether born here, visiting or migrants, those resources are stretched further still."
Evidence?”
by JJ, Croydon
Wednesday, August 19 2009, 1:32AM
“Arfur - nothing to do with BNP, fascism, rascism, or suchlike . I merely stated that the finances of the NHS are overstretched, and many feel that because it also caters for all people in the UK, whether born here, visiting or migrants, those resources are stretched further still. When I worked in Europe (Germany) I HAD to pay into a private healthcare and dental scheme, and when visiting the USA going to visit a dentist when I chipped a tooth cost me very dear. It is a sad and stupid indictment that you cant make a straightforward comment about facts regarding possible failings in how this country deals with immigration issues without a knee-jerk reaction of being called a BNP supporter. My politics are actually slightly left of centre , but I have an opinion on this issue, which doesn't make me suddenly a fascist.”
by Negative, The Cronx
Tuesday, August 18 2009, 6:47PM
“No point going to the dentist since the new contracts started. They charge you more money for doing sod all work.”
by ANNE, SELSDON
Tuesday, August 18 2009, 8:50AM
“Arfur - it is Ian Reed, Lower Addiscombe Road. Nice guy.”
by Mr.Angry, Purley
Monday, August 17 2009, 10:37PM
“Funny,I was never 'filled' in with this info .”
by misterkipling, croydon
Monday, August 17 2009, 10:06PM
“I don't think he was a dentist, but I saw a Croydon lad kicking his mate's teeth out at the weekend.
Should have asked his prices and how satisfied he was with the service, sure seemed very thorough, there was claret everywhere”
by Peter, Wallington
Monday, August 17 2009, 6:37PM
“We were very pleased with our dentist, so when he went private we stayed put and switched over to Denplan.
We now actually pay less on Denplan than we did on the NHS. I've had a few fillings, crowns, and see him twice a year and the hygenist twice a year, so a visit every 3 months.”
by Arfur Towcrate, Staffycher
Monday, August 17 2009, 4:35PM
“Jesus, you can't even do an article about dentistry without some BNP fascist popping up and spouting rubbish about immigration.”
by JJ, Croydon
Monday, August 17 2009, 2:34PM
“I too like many others had avoided the dentist for a few years. My dentist was a good dentist but his whole practice went over to private from being NHS when the changes came into place a few years back, and I felt I could not afford to keep going. Now I wish I had as neglecting this routine of checkups has led to me needing to urgently see a dentist with more major problems. I do feel that check-ups for eye test and dental stuff should still be free to UK born citizens, as it would have a dramatic positive effect on the nation's health. But we know that the NHS is burdened looking after recent arrivals to this country and it puts a great strain on the system and on the finances of the NHS.”