Complaint
A listener complained the programme was not balanced or objective as it focused on the lack of Government funding but failed to explain how much dentists are paid or explore the cost of the huge number of cancelled appointments.  The ECU considered whether the programme met the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ’s editorial standards of impartiality.
Outcome
This programme looked at an apparent national shortage of NHS dentists.  It focused on one dentist in Cornwall, Jenna Murgatroyd, to illustrate her experience of treating NHS patients.  In the ECU’s view listeners would have been in no doubt they were hearing her personal views and would have judged what she said accordingly.  Other people involved in dentistry also expressed their concern about the future for NHS patients but the programme ensured the audience heard an appropriate range of relevant views by including, for example, reference to the Government’s proposals to reform NHS dentistry and a statement from the Department for Health.  In the ECU’s view, there was no requirement to discuss dentists’ earnings because most dentists who treat NHS patients are self-employed contractors and the profitability of an individual dental practice will vary according to the services it provides.  The issue of missed appointments was addressed directly by contributors to the programme.
Not Upheld