Evaluation of the NHS General Dental Services Contract Reform Programme in Wales.:Interim Report - The views and experiences of patients

This document reports from interviews with NHS patients on some of the key principles and objectives of system reform in dental services. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by telephone with 50 patients during August and September 2021. Participants were current NHS dental patients, stratified according to region and age. Interviews used vignettes that depicted different scenarios based on the principles underlying dental care reform. Patients value regular visits with the dentist. Regular visits are seen as part of a collaborative practice of oral health maintenance. There are concerns that disease could develop between visits if the recall interval is extended. Even where there is good oral health, patients feel that ‘18 months is a long time’ - circumstances and behaviour that influence oral health could change in this time. Some patients believe they will lose access to an NHS dentist if they do not attend every six months.Patients are more likely to accept a change to routine where there is a good relationship with the dentist.Patients value advice on maintaining good oral health.There is little knowledge of dental roles other than the dentist. Many patients are familiar with skill-mix from other services such as general practice. Patients believe it is important not to waste NHS resources but think that delaying treatment may lead to more costly interventions. Patients believe that there are things they can and should do to maintain their oral health. They also want NHS services to show understanding and support for individuals who face challenges looking after their health.<br/