No local authority area in the country has more than one dentist providing NHS treatment per 1,000 people. Rural areas are more likely to have fewer NHS practices.
New research has revealed the crisis of ‘dental deserts’ in Britain’s most deprived areas today.
Many communities are struggling to access treatment, according to the Local Government Association (LGA). No local authority area in the country has more than one dentist providing NHS treatment per 1,000 people. Rural areas are worst hit, and more likely to have fewer NHS practices, according to the LGA analysis of NHS data.
People living in areas with the poorest health outcomes in England are less likely to find an NHS dentist than those living in areas with the best health outcomes. This suggests that demand is outstripping supply in communities that need it most.
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In Middlesbrough, there are just 10 NHS dental practices per 100,000 despite having one of the highest levels of deprivation. The English Local authority with the least NHS dentists per 100,000 people was Thurrock in Essex, with 10. The most deprived local authority in England with the least dentists per 100,000 was Blackpool, Lancs., with 12.
Affluent Richmond upon Thames has 28 per 100,000 people and one of the lowest deprivation levels. Areas with high levels of child dental decay don’t have more NHS dentists than areas with lower rates.
Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor, Chair of the LGA Health and Wellbeing Committee, said: “This new report highlights that there is still a shortage of affordable dental treatment in all communities across the country, particularly rural and more deprived areas. We know that poor dental health can significantly impact overall health outcomes, including increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
“Equal access to NHS dental services is vital for every community to ensure all residents have the same opportunities to look after their health. It is encouraging that the Government is taking steps to improve dental access, such as expanding provision and investing in community dental services. But it is also vital that the current dental contract is reviewed to make NHS dentistry more viable. There is still more to do to ensure equitable care for all communities.”
In April, the Mirror told how there was only enough NHS dentistry funding to cover half of the population being seen. The cross-party Public Accounts Committee concluded the dentists payment contract should be ripped up and a new framework brought in.
MPs found 40% of adults saw an NHS dentist in the two years to March 2024, compared to 49% in the two years pre-pandemic. Committee chair Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said: “It is utterly disgraceful that, in the 21st century, some Britons have been forced to remove their own teeth. The current contract is not fit for purpose. A new one should be negotiated with dentists so all in this country will have proper access to a NHS dentist for the treatment they need.”
The Mirror is highlighting the issue as part of our Dentists for All campaign. Labour has vowed to tackle the NHS dental crisis but the British Dental Association warned it has made “no progress” since being elected. British Dental Association Chair Eddie Crouch said: “For millions, NHS dentistry has effectively ceased to exist, especially among those who need care the most. Government can save this service. But that will require real ambition underpinned by sustainable funding.”
Dentists are commissioned and funded by NHS England to provide treatment. Councils are responsible for oral health programmes to promote good oral health and prevent problems, including early years, schools and training staff.