What members of the public think NHS dental services should include: A qualitative study (ORIGINAL ARTICLE)
Dublin Core
Title
What members of the public think NHS dental services should include: A qualitative study (ORIGINAL ARTICLE)
Subject
Public perspectives, health policy, dental contract reform, teledentistry, preventive care
Description
Background: The Welsh National Health Service (NHS) dental reform programme seeks to move beyond activity-based performance measures
towards prevention, needs-led care, and fuller use of the dental team’s skill-mix. Prior research explored patient experiences and barriers to access,
but less is known about public perspectives on what NHS dental services should look like. This study engaged the public in co-identifying priorities
and recommending solutions to better align reform with patient needs.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews (n=35) and one focus group (n=9). Participants were recruited
via social media, organizational mailing lists, and research networks, and purposively sampled for diversity. Data collection took place virtually
between November 2023 and May 2024. Transcripts were thematically analysed using NVivo 12. To enhance rigour, 30% of transcripts were
double-coded, with themes refined collaboratively.
Results: Three key themes were generated: the architecture of an ideal service, pathways to access and equity, and enabling the patient–provider
partnership. Participants prioritized timely, affordable and inclusive care delivered by the right professional, supported by effective communication
and education for self-management. There was broad support for utilizing team’s skill-mix, risk-based recall and clearer information on urgent and
emergency dental services. Many participants valued digital tools, such as online booking and teledentistry; however, these findings reflect a
relatively young, digitally engaged sample. Participants stressed that digital options should remain optional, with robust nondigital alternatives to
ensure equity.
Conclusions: Participants emphasized the importance of timely, equitable access, inclusive services, clear communication, and support for
self-management. They were open to flexible care models, including skill-mix and risk-based recall, provided these were underpinned by patient
education and trust. Digital tools were positively viewed but must be complemented by nondigital pathways to avoid widening inequalities.
Policymakers should integrate these perspectives into NHS dental reform to strengthen person-centred, equitable care.
towards prevention, needs-led care, and fuller use of the dental team’s skill-mix. Prior research explored patient experiences and barriers to access,
but less is known about public perspectives on what NHS dental services should look like. This study engaged the public in co-identifying priorities
and recommending solutions to better align reform with patient needs.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews (n=35) and one focus group (n=9). Participants were recruited
via social media, organizational mailing lists, and research networks, and purposively sampled for diversity. Data collection took place virtually
between November 2023 and May 2024. Transcripts were thematically analysed using NVivo 12. To enhance rigour, 30% of transcripts were
double-coded, with themes refined collaboratively.
Results: Three key themes were generated: the architecture of an ideal service, pathways to access and equity, and enabling the patient–provider
partnership. Participants prioritized timely, affordable and inclusive care delivered by the right professional, supported by effective communication
and education for self-management. There was broad support for utilizing team’s skill-mix, risk-based recall and clearer information on urgent and
emergency dental services. Many participants valued digital tools, such as online booking and teledentistry; however, these findings reflect a
relatively young, digitally engaged sample. Participants stressed that digital options should remain optional, with robust nondigital alternatives to
ensure equity.
Conclusions: Participants emphasized the importance of timely, equitable access, inclusive services, clear communication, and support for
self-management. They were open to flexible care models, including skill-mix and risk-based recall, provided these were underpinned by patient
education and trust. Digital tools were positively viewed but must be complemented by nondigital pathways to avoid widening inequalities.
Policymakers should integrate these perspectives into NHS dental reform to strengthen person-centred, equitable care.
Creator
Francesca Mazzaschi, Abubakar Sha’aban, Elizabeth Doe, Anthony Cope, Andrew Dickenson, WarrenTolley, Adrian Edwards , Natalie Joseph-Williams
Source
DOI:https://doi.org/10/1093/ijcoms/lyaf015
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Date
13 October 2025
Contributor
Sri Wahyuni
Format
PDF
Language
English
Type
Text
Files
Collection
Citation
Francesca Mazzaschi, Abubakar Sha’aban, Elizabeth Doe, Anthony Cope, Andrew Dickenson, WarrenTolley, Adrian Edwards , Natalie Joseph-Williams, “What members of the public think NHS dental services should include: A qualitative study (ORIGINAL ARTICLE),” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed February 21, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/11307.