Healthwatch England has found that nearly a third of people in England now use private dental services, up from 22% in 2023 to 32% by late last year. The watchdog warns that the scarcity of NHS care is forcing more people, especially those on low incomes, into costly private treatment.
The proportion of financially struggling households using private dentistry has almost doubled from 14% to 27%. These patients face a 'double penalty' as private check-ups cost £64 compared to £27.40 on the NHS, and many miss out on free entitlement care due to lack of NHS availability.
Rebecca Curtayne, acting head of policy at Healthwatch England, said: 'Our findings are a warning that for some people there’s only one-tier dental care – private. It’s the most vulnerable people in our society who bear the brunt of the ongoing shortage of NHS dental appointments.'
The Patients Association echoed concerns, stating NHS dentistry 'exists in name only for many people'. Chief executive Rachel Power added that the lack of affordable care harms physical and mental health.
Separately, the Competition and Markets Authority has launched an inquiry into the UK's £8.4bn private dental market, citing concerns over costs and access. Dentists blame low NHS payments, which the British Dental Association says create a £400m annual funding gap for some treatments.
