The UK is facing a dental crisis that’s left millions without access to regular NHS dental care, leading to painful consequences for many. With over 90% of NHS dentists no longer taking on new patients and frequent practice closures, it’s no surprise that more and more people are turning to A&E departments seeking emergency dental treatment.
Between April 2022 and May 2023 alone, 30,000 children and 70,000 adults were admitted to A&E for tooth decay, a preventable condition that reflects the growing strain on NHS dental care services.
But why?..
What’s Happening to NHS Dental Practices?
Across the UK, NHS dental practices are closing at an alarming rate, leaving millions of patients without access to affordable dental care. If you live in areas such as Devon, Cornwall, Cumbria and parts of Yorkshire, you’ll know that it’s become almost impossible to get dental care, because no NHS dentists are accepting new patients. According to the British Dental Association (BDA), almost 90% of dental practices in England are unable to accommodate new patients, resulting in overwhelming demand for private care and long waiting times for those relying on the NHS.
The impact of these closures is significant. Thousands of people, especially children and vulnerable individuals, are left without routine check-ups or preventative care, causing avoidable conditions like tooth decay and gum disease to spiral into more severe health issues. There has also been a surge in people resorting to DIY dentistry, performing their own extractions and repairs due to lack of access to professional care.
Many NHS patients are forced to seek emergency treatment through A&E departments or pay out-of-pocket to see emergency dentists they can’t afford. Unfortunately, this is often a last resort and many go without proper care altogether, worsening oral health outcomes across the country.
Why NHS Dental Practices Are Closing
The closures of NHS dental practices stem from a combination of complex factors:
- Inadequate Funding
The core issue lies in the outdated NHS dental contract, introduced in 2006, which doesn’t properly reflect the current needs of both patients and dental professionals. Dentists are paid per “unit of dental activity” (UDA), and the rates have remained stagnant for years. This means practices often receive the same payment for complex treatments as they do for simpler ones, making it financially unsustainable to offer a wide range of NHS services. Many practices are forced to see an overwhelming number of patients, while the compensation they receive fails to cover the rising costs of materials, staff and operations.
- Burnout and Staffing Shortages
Dentists are under increasing pressure to deliver high volumes of work while balancing patient needs and administrative demands. The result has been high levels of burnout and stress within the profession. Many dentists have chosen to leave the NHS altogether or retire early, further exacerbating the shortage of available practitioners. Dental students, too, are increasingly opting for private practice where they can focus on patient care rather than juggling a flawed system.
- Shift to Private Practice
Given the financial and workload pressures, many dental professionals are moving to private practice where they can set their own fees and offer higher-quality care without the constraints of the NHS contract. The exodus of dentists from the NHS has left many areas under-serviced, with private dental care often being the only available option, which many cannot afford.
- Rural Area Challenges
The impact of practice closures is particularly acute in rural regions, where dental services are often already scarce. In areas like Devon, Cumbria, and Cornwall, attracting dental professionals can be difficult due to lower population density and higher operational costs. These regions, therefore, face a double blow: fewer practices and more patients needing care, but without the necessary infrastructure to provide it.
Our Response
While the government has acknowledged the problem, promising reforms, immediate solutions are needed. At the Family Dental Clinic, we are committed to offering accessible and affordable dental care to help bridge this gap and prevent patients from experiencing the distress of unmanaged dental issues.
Affordable Dental Care Through Denplan
At FDC, we understand the financial pressures many families face when it comes to accessing private dental care. That’s why we’re proud to offer Denplan, a flexible monthly payment plan designed to spread the cost of routine dental care and treatments, ensuring that looking after your oral health is both easy and affordable.
Denplan is part of SimplyHealth, a trusted healthcare provider, and offers several plans to meet individual needs:
Denplan Care
For those seeking more comprehensive coverage, Denplan Care includes:
- Regular dental examinations and hygienist visits
- Routine X-rays as clinically required
- Fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, and extractions
- Worldwide dental injury and emergency cover, along with access to Denplan’s 24-hour worldwide emergency helpline (Supplementary Insurance)
Denplan Essentials
This plan is ideal for those looking to maintain their oral health with routine care:
- One or two dental exams and hygiene visits per year
- Up to three X-rays, if clinically necessary
- 10% discount on restorative treatments
Both plans also provide worldwide dental injury and emergency cover, offering peace of mind no matter where life takes you. The best part? Denplan Essentials requires no pre-assessment, making it easier than ever to join.
Student Plan
For young people aged 18-24, our Denplan Student option ensures that they can maintain their oral health as they embark on their academic journey, all at an affordable rate.
At our family dental practice, we believe that no one should have to compromise on their dental health due to cost or access issues.
If you’re concerned about the NHS dental crisis and want to take proactive steps to protect your smile, contact us today to enquire about new patient applications and learn more about how Denplan can work for you.
Click here or call our Chichester dental clinic today on 01243 771171.