People with special needs on the Isle of Wight are facing waits of more than two years for NHS dental services, a local health watchdog has revealed.
At a recent Isle of Wight Council committee meeting, officials described the wait times for the NHS Special Care Dental Service as “really worrying.”
The service, managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, provides specialist dental care for patients who cannot be treated in a standard dental setting.
The NHS said it is aware of the delays and is assisting the island’s orthodontic provider in recruiting an additional dentist.
Joanna Smith, manager of Healthwatch Isle of Wight, told the committee that many patients with “quite complex needs” have been struggling to access the service.
The service supports children with profound learning difficulties, severe physical disabilities, or mental health conditions, as well as adults with serious disabilities or health conditions, according to the trust.
James Roach, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight primary care director, said efforts are underway to monitor waiting times more closely. “We now have regular updates from the provider on total waiting lists, those waiting for extended periods, and how patients are prioritised,” he said.
Mr. Roach added that the trust is also investing in professional development for staff and providing extra resources for “looked after children, patients with clinical vulnerabilities, and those needing specialist follow-up in a different setting.”