The project was started in late February and completed in June 2023. It involved: reviewing existing publications about dental provision in Dorset; searching websites to better understand local provision; arranging short interviews with or written responses from local dental practices; a discussion with Healthwatch Dorset given their recent research; and seeking some information about dentistry/oral health provision in local care homes and through local food banks/projects.
There are only three dental practices based within the BLAP area, all of them located in Bridport. However, three others are within the west of Dorset – two in Lyme Regis and one in Beaminster. Various practices could also be said to lie within a reasonable drive time for residents who are mobile – for example in Dorchester, Weymouth or Crewkerne.