New plans aim to boost access to NHS dental care in Lincolnshire
Health bosses in Lincolnshire have announced plans to improve access to NHS dental care across the county.
NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board (LICB) has announced a proposal to introduce new NHS dental services in Lincoln, Boston and Skegness.
These locations have been identified as areas where there is unmet need and where oral health is the poorest.
The new services are designed to deliver thousands more NHS dental appointments with a focus on reaching communities who experience the greatest challenges accessing care.
Although the services are proposed to be based in Lincoln, Boston and Skegness, they will be accessible to residents across Lincolnshire, within the capacity of the services.
As part of the commitment, the proposed services will not only expand access to essential treatment, but will also support training of the future dental workforce.
Care will be delivered by fully qualified dental professionals, alongside dental care professionals in training where appropriate, with the necessary supervision and support.
The new services will focus on: early intervention and prevention; NHS dental treatment and advice; signposting to specialist dental services; targeted oral health promotion programmes.
The ICB is now inviting local people to share their views through a countywide patient survey. Public feedback will help shape the final service and influence how dental services are designed, delivered and monitored, ensuring they are safe, effective and responsive to local needs.
Caroline Goulding, Director of Strategic and Specialised Commissioning, said: “Our proposal to introduce new NHS dental services in Lincoln, Boston and Skegness is an important step in improving access to NHS dental care for people across Lincolnshire. We want to hear from as many residents as possible so that these new services truly reflect local needs.”
Residents can complete the survey online by midnight on Sunday July 19 at: lincolnshire.icb.nhs.uk/dental-access-survey
Everyone living in the UK is eligible to access NHS dental services, and while most adults pay a flat‑rate NHS charge, many people qualify for free NHS dental care depending on age, medical conditions or income. More information is available at: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/who-can-get-free-nhs-dental-treatment/