The public perception of NHS dentistry

In fact, more than half of all respondents had ideas about how to improve the profession’s confidence in NHS dentistry other than through a change in contract, with over 30 per cent wanting more respect and support from the public, the GDC and the Government.

Speaking on this issue, Tony Kilcoyne, a dentist who works closely with the media, had this to say: “What we have is a profession that feels the NHS contract is out of their hands, so I was not surprised to learn that dental professionals are concerned about public perception of NHS dentistry and their role within it, but it nonetheless saddens me.

“As a dentist who is very involved with the media, I want to help to turn things around in terms of informing the public about not only just the problems in dentistry but also what dentistry has to offer the public with regard to general and dental health benefits. We need to go large in the media so that the public can realistically appreciate what their options are and what can be done preventively.”