Patients give broadly positive impressions of their experience of primary care services, including care given by dentists, according to a major survey by the Healthcare Commission. The survey of almost 117,000 people sought patients' views of services provided by general practices, local health centres and dental surgeries.

With regards to dental care, many patients reported difficulties in gaining access to an NHS dentist. Around 55% of those surveyed were registered with an NHS dentist while 69% of those not registered with an NHS dentist said they would like to be. Nearly 80% of NHS patients fully understood the explanation their dentist gave them for their treatment or action. Of those treated by an NHS dentist, 75% said they definitely had confidence in their dentist and 70% said they were definitely involved in their care.

Anna Walker, Chief Executive of the Healthcare Commission, said, “This major survey of patients gives us an invaluable insight into what patients think about their access to primary healthcare and the quality of care that they receive. Although timely access to GPs and dentists is important, the quality of care that patients receive from their GP, dentist or midwife is also crucial and according to patients, it is extremely good.”