In the episode on March 17, Datshiane Navanayagam investigated the issues countryside communities face in accessing dental care. She provided data from the British Dental Association stating that “one in four of us in the UK have unmet dental care needs.”
Datshiane added that some of the worst-affected communities are those in rural areas, including Devon, Cornwall, Wiltshire, and Lincolnshire.
Countryfile contacted 170 practices in Devon and Cornwall to see if they were taking on new NHS patients. The presenter explained, “A few didn’t respond, but none of those who did said they were taking new NHS patients.”
Since the programme made its checks, NHS England has updated its website to show the dental clinics in the area which are taking on patients.
Ian Mills, a dentist based in Devon who has an NHS contract, said, “Within rural communities, there is a huge issue around NHS access. Primarily because of the workforce, and that’s about recruitment and retention of dentists. We’ve also got the issue around geographical distribution. If one practice were to close or stop treating NHS patients, it might be many miles to access another, and that’s not always easy for people relying on public transport within a rural area.”
Ian’s practice isn’t currently taking on NHS patients and hasn’t for “many, many years.” He added, “It is disappointing from our point of view, but our focus has to be on our existing patient base.”
“We need fundamental, urgent and radical contract reform,” concluded Ian.
Andrea Leadsom, the minister for public health, said, “We want everyone in the country to be able to access a dentist, no matter where they live or what their background is, and our dental recovery plan sets out how we will deliver more appointments for patients, including those in rural areas.”
Following the broadcast, viewers began posting complaints on social media about the segment. According to The Express, one person said, “Countryfile. Dentists? Am I missing something?”
Another said, "#Countryfile What has lack of dentists got to do with countryside matters?? Is this Panorama or Countryfile? My favourite Sunday evening relaxation show ruined."
A few audience members disagreed. One person said, “The people complaining that #Countryfile is covering problems in the...erm countryside about dentists.
"Moaning they just want to see nice things about cows and sheep people live here you know. It's not just for your holiday and to see pretty things."
In response to the public’s criticism the BBC issued the following statement, “Countryfile covers a wide range of rural affairs issues affecting rural areas and communities. In this programme, Countryfile investigated the lack of NHS dentistry provision in Devon and Cornwall. Our film acknowledged this is a national problem but focused on the stories of those living in rural areas. Previously the programme has produced diverse films including shortfalls in special education needs provision and the difficulties recruiting midwifery staff in rural areas.”