NHS Newham is encouraging local people to use a new web based service www.nhs.uk/dentalservices that will make it easier for people to find information about NHS dentists.

NHS Newham is encouraging local people to use a new web based service www.nhs.uk/dentalservices that will make it easier for people to find information about NHS dentists.

The idea is similar to other internet comparison websites. On www.nhs.uk/dentalservices, searching by postcode, location or the name of the dental practice, you can see information such as opening times, names of staff, services and contact information.

Patients can read other people’s comments or comment themselves about: How easy it is to get an appointment; How highly they would recommend the dental practice; How well patients are treated by staff; and, if patients felt they were involved in decisions about their care.

Rather than just viewing information, it’s now the norm for people using websites to share experiences and leave comments for others to read. All types of businesses are using this tool to develop their services and the NHS is doing this too.

Sarah See, Assistant Director, Primary Care Commissioning, NHS Newham said:

“ Tools like this give local people more choice and information about the services offered locally.

“This will give both dental staff and patients a picture of the results that a dental practice is achieving. Dentists can use what local people say to improve their services and feed back to staff about the good work that they are doing.”