The crisis in NHS dentistry is worsening as a growing number of dentists stop providing NHS-funded treatment, citing financial losses that make it unsustainable. The British Dental Association (BDA) warns that government underfunding is forcing many dental practices to operate like charities, leading to a mass exodus from the system.
Financial Losses Driving Dentists Away
According to BDA analysis, dentists are losing significant amounts of money on essential NHS procedures. A typical practice loses £42.60 on every set of NHS dentures, £40.60 on certain oral surgeries, and £21 on a molar root canal and crown. These financial burdens have resulted in NHS care being subsidized by private dental work, amounting to a £332 million shortfall per year.
With NHS payments failing to keep up with rising costs, many practices are shifting towards private treatment to stay financially viable. The situation has led to the emergence of “dental deserts” and a rise in DIY dentistry, where patients resort to unsafe, self-performed dental care due to lack of access.
NHS Dentistry on the Brink of Collapse
Health Secretary Wes Streeting recently acknowledged that “NHS dentistry is at death’s door”, promising reforms and additional appointments. However, the BDA argues that no substantial action has been taken since Labour came to power, and without urgent government intervention, the service could collapse.
Shiv Pabary, Chair of the BDA’s General Dental Practice Committee, emphasized the severity of the issue:
“Demoralized dentists are walking away from a system that forces practices to operate like charities. A typical practice is losing over £40 on a set of NHS dentures. Without private income covering these losses, many practices simply won’t survive.”
Government Pledges But No Immediate Solutions
While NHS England has increased total spending on dental care from £5.6 billion in 2005-06 to £10.2 billion in 2022-23, the share of NHS-funded work has dropped from 50% to just one-third. The Nuffield Trust warns that NHS dentistry could be “gone for good” unless bold action is taken.
The government has pledged to introduce an extra 700,000 urgent NHS appointments and reform the dental contract to encourage more participation. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson stated:
“This government inherited a broken NHS dentistry system after years of neglect. We are committed to rebuilding it, but it will take time.”
However, experts argue that without significant investment, these measures will not be enough to reverse the crisis.
Is NHS Dentistry Beyond Repair?
The BDA warns that unless Chancellor Rachel Reeves significantly increases NHS dental funding in the upcoming spending review, the service could face total collapse. Many believe that only a fundamental overhaul of NHS dental contracts and higher reimbursement rates will prevent further exodus and restore public access to affordable dental care.
With more patients struggling to find an NHS dentist and an increasing reliance on private care, the question remains: Is NHS dentistry on the brink of extinction?
