Do you have access to an NHS Dentist?

Dental charges in England have increased by 8.5% recently.

The latest figures show that fewer than one in two (44.8%) children saw an NHS dentist in the last year, while just one third of adults saw an NHS dentist in the last two years.

A poll commissioned by the Liberal Democrats last year revealed a staggering one in five (21%) people who failed to get an NHS dentist appointment in the past year turned to DIY dentistry.

Over six in ten local areas in England have seen a rise in the number of people per dentist since 2019, new analysis commissioned by the Liberal Democrats has revealed.

The Commons Library research shows how the rise in “dental deserts” has left people struggling to get an appointment, with some areas now having over 3,000 people for every NHS dentist. 65 of 104 local areas in England have seen the number of people per dentist rise since 2019, the figures show.

One in four people are delaying or going without NHS dental treatment because of its rising cost, the British Dental Association (BDA) has warned.

Access to NHS dentists has become increasingly difficult in recent years. According to a report by the British Dental Association, there has been a significant reduction in the number of NHS dentists, with many practices struggling to recruit and retain dental professionals. This has led to longer waiting times for appointments, particularly for routine check-ups and non-urgent treatments. Furthermore, the cost of NHS dental treatment has also risen, putting it out of reach for many people who cannot afford private dental care.

So, what are your thoughts on this issue? Do you have access to an NHS dentist? Should everyone have access to NHS dentistry? Have you experienced longer waiting times or rising costs of dental treatment? Have you resorted to DIY dentistry?