How easy is it to find an NHS dentist? It depends where you live

The analysis by the Nuffield Trust highlights the struggle of finding an NHS dentist across England, with nearly 600 practices withdrawing from NHS dentistry over the past decade. The decline is particularly stark in the South West and East of England, exacerbating inequalities in access to care. More than one in ten dental practices that once provided NHS care now do not, leaving many communities with little to no access to NHS appointments.

NHS dental activity has dropped 8% since pre-Covid levels, and six in ten adults haven't seen an NHS dentist in two years. Of those seeking a new appointment in the last two years, only 38% were successful. Cornwall, Devon, and Northamptonshire have seen some of the most significant reductions, with over a quarter of practices that previously offered NHS treatment ceasing to do so in Cornwall.

Dentists cite loss-making contracts as the reason for leaving NHS dentistry, with some handing back their contracts entirely. The government's pledge to tackle "dental deserts" has yet to yield results, as dentists argue that the current arrangement is not viable. A dentist in Hexham revealed that the loss of NHS work was emotionally hard but financially unsustainable, with many of his colleagues also leaving the NHS.

The British Dental Association's chair warns that unless the government fixes and funds NHS dentistry, more dentists may reduce their NHS work or leave the service altogether. Despite a rise in overall dentist practice numbers, the shortage is apparent in NHS dental care, with reduced treatment volume and capacity. The government has announced changes to the dental contract, increased training of dentists, and a requirement for newly qualified dentists to work in the NHS for at least three years. However, campaigners argue that these measures are insufficient to address the crisis.