NHS Dentistry Crisis Exposed: Millions of Brits Have Never Visited a Dentist as Adults
A shocking new poll has laid bare the severe shortage of NHS dentists across the United Kingdom, revealing that a staggering proportion of adults have never had their teeth checked since turning 18. The study, involving 2,000 adults, highlights a deepening crisis in dental care access, with regional disparities painting a troubling picture of inequality.
Alarming Statistics and Regional Disparities
Nationally, six percent of UK adults, equivalent to 3.6 million people, have never been to a dentist. The situation is most dire in the North East, where 10 percent of adults report never receiving dental treatment as adults. Newcastle upon Tyne emerges as one of the hardest-hit cities, with one in 10 residents affected by this access gap.
In contrast, the South East of England fares better, with only three percent of adults saying they have never visited a dentist. This regional divide underscores the uneven distribution of dental services and resources across the country.
Personal Stories Highlight the Struggle
The human cost of this crisis is vividly illustrated by residents in Newcastle. Bobbie Buddin, a 25-year-old market worker, experienced severe pain from a wisdom tooth but could not afford private treatment, costing £60-£70. She was forced to seek free care at Newcastle Dental Hospital, where a student dentist provided initial treatment under supervision.
Other cases include Dave Kay, a 63-year-old butcher who was removed from his NHS dental practice's patient list after missing an appointment during the COVID-19 lockdown and has not seen a dentist since. Similarly, Jaime Cura, a 49-year-old market vendor, was deregistered during the pandemic and now considers traveling 480 miles round trip to her parents' dentist in Cambridgeshire due to local unavailability.
Demographic Insights and Barriers to Care
The poll, conducted by healthcare firm Haleon, reveals demographic trends in dental attendance. Women are slightly more likely to visit the dentist as adults compared to men. Age-wise, middle-aged adults are the worst offenders, with nine percent of those aged 45-54 admitting they have never had a dental check-up since turning 18. Younger adults aged 18-24 perform best, with only four percent never visiting a dentist.
Key barriers to dental care include:
- Cost: One in four cite affordability as a primary reason for skipping visits.
- Fear: Dentophobia affects one in five people, deterring them from seeking treatment.
- Access Issues: 25 percent of registered patients cannot get appointments, and 13 percent cannot even register with a local dentist.
Economic and Health Impacts
The dental care crisis has significant economic repercussions. Tooth decay results in 32 million lost working hours annually, costing the UK economy approximately £605 million each year. Additionally, 20 percent of respondents turn to social media for dental advice, raising concerns about misinformation and untreated conditions.
Calls for Reform and Political Response
This data emerges as campaigns, including one by the Mirror, push for better access to NHS dentistry for all. Health Secretary Wes Streeting faces a monumental task in reforming dental care to serve millions of patients effectively. The need for systemic change is urgent, with advocates emphasizing inclusivity and equity in healthcare provision.
The regional league of shame, based on the percentage of adults least likely to visit a dentist, ranks as follows:
- North East - 10%
- South West - 9%
- Wales - 9%
- East of England - 7%
- Scotland - 6%
- Yorkshire & Humber - 6%
- North West - 5%
- East Midlands - 5%
- West Midlands - 4%
- South East - 3%
This crisis demands immediate attention from policymakers to ensure that dental care becomes accessible and affordable for every citizen, regardless of where they live.
