An alarming dental crisis has emerged across England, revealing significant access issues to NHS dental services.
- A survey uncovers that one in four citizens faced barriers to securing an NHS dental appointment.
- Key reasons cited include dentists not accepting new patients and limited appointment availability.
- Some individuals expressed a preference for private dentistry due to scepticism about NHS access.
- The government plans an independent inquiry into the NHS’s performance, aiming for substantial improvements.
The NHS England GP Patient Survey highlights a significant dental crisis, with approximately 6.2 million people, or one in four individuals, unable to secure an NHS dental appointment over the last two years. This survey, focusing on patients aged 16 or over registered with a GP practice, underscores the widespread issues affecting NHS dental services across England.
A critical finding from the survey is that 42% of those who attempted to book a dental appointment found that the dentists were not accepting new patients. Additionally, 36% reported that no available appointments were forthcoming, illustrating the severe lack of access to necessary dental care.
Interestingly, 28% of survey respondents admitted to never attempting to secure an NHS dental appointment. Meanwhile, 20% had not tried for more than two years. Preferences towards private dental services were prominent, with 27% opting for private care, and 25% believing that securing an NHS appointment would not be feasible.
This survey coincides with Wes Streeting’s announcement of a major independent investigation into the NHS, coupled with talks with the British Dental Association aimed at reforming the dental contract and increasing emergency dental appointments by 700,000. These measures seek to address both immediate and systemic issues within NHS dentistry.
As highlighted by Brett Hill from Broadstone, poor oral health poses risks to overall health, including potential impacts on sleep, stress levels, and serious conditions like cardiovascular disease. He emphasises the growing trend towards private dental insurance, with many employers considering adding dental benefits to their healthcare packages.
These findings highlight a critical need for reforms and increased accessibility in NHS dental care services across England.
