Access to Dentist: at its brink?

News - 15 August 2022

It has become so difficult to get NHS dental appointments lately that many people are compelled to seek treatment miles away or opt for DIY dentistry.
Dentist as a cover

 A recent BBC investigation  reports that not only adults but children under the age of 16 are not being taken up as new patients in most dental practices all across the UK. It has also been found that many of these local practices did not have a waiting list, and some of which had one, had a waiting period from months to an indefinite time! Although NHS England and the local governments are striving to reform the dental system to improve the quality of care and accessibility, dentists have expressed their frustration. They have blamed the current NHS contract for dental services and raised the issue of inadequate funds to meet the demand-supply curve. Although, there was agreement among all patients and providers that the COVID-19 pandemic has indeed caused unprecedented difficulties, starting from the backlog of patients which now compromises their oral health.

How to find a dentist?

  • Call: NHS 111 for emergency or urgent out-of-hours dentistry
  • Visit: www.nhs.uk to see and compare local dental practices
  • Visit: dentalchoices.org to find a dentist taking on NHS patients
  • Call: NHS England on 0300 311 22 33.

You can go to any dentist with NHS appointments available as you do not register with a dentist in the same way as with a GP.

People often struggle to find an NHS dentist and that’s where we can help. So, if you’re struggling to find a dentist who can take you on, visit our Services page. 

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