A shortage of available dental appointments in the UK, affecting 2.2 million people in need of urgent care, could lead many to resort to outdated and risky solutions, dental professionals are warning. With a recent promise by the government to provide 700,000 additional urgent dental appointments, the British Dental Association (BDA) has pointed out that this will only meet about one-third of the demand, leaving hundreds of thousands of patients without access to essential NHS care.
Reports have surfaced of people pulling out their own teeth or seeking emergency surgery after untreated dental infections have worsened. The dire situation has led to comparisons with “Victorian-era” home treatments, such as tying a piece of string to a tooth and a door to extract it.
The NHS in England estimates that 2.2 million people are currently unable to get an NHS dental appointment, despite needing urgent care. The BDA stresses that the government’s pledge to add 700,000 appointments will only alleviate a fraction of the problem, and many patients will still have no recourse for care. NHS England has acknowledged the issue in a letter to local health leaders, noting that 3.5% of the population, or 2.2 million people, are unable to access necessary dental treatment annually.
This shortage is particularly severe in “dental deserts,” areas where access to NHS dentists is especially limited. The additional appointments will be allocated to these areas, with local health bodies tasked with meeting specific urgent care needs.
Shiv Pabary, Chairman of the BDA’s General Dental Practice Committee, criticized the government’s response, calling it “austerity on stilts.” He emphasized the government’s moral responsibility to ensure that no patient is left without care. “Rather than eliminating DIY dentistry, the Treasury is ensuring we keep seeing horrors that belong in the Victorian era,” Pabary said.
The growing crisis is compounded by a workforce that is increasingly overwhelmed. A recent survey conducted by the dental division of the Medical Protection Society found that nearly two-thirds (63%) of dental professionals report feeling burnt out and exhausted. In a poll of 1,600 dental workers, including dentists, dental nurses, and hygienists, half said they felt pressured to take on extra work. Many also cited working excessive hours to meet the demand for NHS services, while others pointed to financial challenges due to insufficient government reimbursement rates for NHS treatments.
Yvonne Shaw from Dental Protection expressed concern over the well-being of dental professionals, saying, “It is troubling to see such a high proportion of dental professionals are burnt out and exhausted, and the degree to which their mental wellbeing is compromised.” Shaw added that the government must address these issues in its upcoming ten-year NHS strategy, particularly in regard to NHS dental contract reform.
As the UK grapples with this dental crisis, patients and professionals alike face an uncertain future, with many fearing a return to dangerous, outdated methods in the absence of proper care.
Related topics:
Thousands of Urgent Dental Appointments in London to Tackle NHS Dentistry Crisis
The Surprising Connection Between Missing Teeth and Dementia Risk
Promoting Healthy Smiles: Tips for Parents During Children’s Dental Health Month
