13million people cannot see an NHS dentist as option has ‘ceased to exist’ for Brits, British Dental Association warns
THIRTEEN million people cannot see an NHS dentist, says the British Dental Association.
It warned the option has “ceased to exist” for almost a quarter of the nation’s adult population.
Analysis found 5.4 million people had given up trying to get an appointment in the past two years.
Another 5.6 million tried and failed to see a dentist, 1.25 million said it was too expensive, and another 780,000 were stuck on a waiting list.
Experts have previously warned NHS dentistry is on its last legs as eight in ten clinics shut their doors to new patients last year.
The BDA met with new Health Secretary Wes Streeting on his first day in the job and told him reform is desperately needed.
Dentists are turning their back on NHS work because it does not pay well enough.
This is creating a vicious cycle as patients’ oral health gets worse and they need more intensive treatment.
Shawn Charlwood, chair of the BDA, said: “NHS dentistry has effectively ceased to exist for millions across this country.
“These numbers are a stark reminder we need ambition to save this service.”
Labour pledged during its election campaign to provide 700,000 more NHS dentist appointments every year. It also promised to pay dentists to work in underserved areas.
An NHS England spokesman said: “Our staff have worked incredibly hard to cope with increased demand, but this survey makes it clear there is much more to do.”