Access to dentist services is improving in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, with 42 per cent of people accessing treatments in the last two years.

County councillors have praised NHS dental care in Hampshire after data revealed that more people in the region have been for treatment.

As of February this year, 42 per cent of people accessed an NHS dentist in the past two years,  a report to the Health and Adult Social Care Select Committee said.

In total, 765,576 patients in the area were seen by a dentist, an increase of 16.94 per cent compared with 2023. This is an increase of 71,406 adults and 39,516 children.

Councillor David Harrison welcomed the position and said the figures reflected the improvement of what was previously a “pretty appalling situation”.

Despite the praise, James Roach, director of primary care for NHS Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said that he is not suggesting that a 42 per cent is a success but an improvement.

Mr Roach said: “There are some deprived areas that we should benchmark again, but we are making progress.

“The general message from the NHS is that they support NHS dentistry and work with NHS providers to increase access. 

“For me, a great success would be an even greater access next year. Absolutely making sure we use all of our budget and carry out the success with the procurements and providers in place.”

In relation to the mobile dental unit which travels to different areas, data showed that 14,000 treatments have been delivered since it launched in February 2024.

In collaboration with the dental charity Dentaid, the mobile unit has been actively engaging with various partner organisations, including family hubs, community centres, public buildings, and sports facilities. 

Patients can book appointments with the dentist on board, who offers services such as check-ups, oral cancer screenings, oral health advice, and a comprehensive treatment plan if necessary.

Emergency care also includes extractions and fillings via referral from 111. From February to November 2024, Dentaid booked 1,147 emergency patients in their dedicated 111 slots.