Deacon Galloway, a 19-year-old student from Manchester, was forced to spend £800 of money his grandparents had saved for him on private dental treatment after being unable to find an NHS dentist accepting new patients near his home.
Before setting off for university, Deacon's grandparents gave him £2,100 to help with his education, including buying books. However, he began to experience intense pain when eating or drinking cold drinks, along with visible tooth decay.
When he tried to find an NHS dentist, the nearest one that was taking new patients was in Leeds, over 60 miles away. With no other savings, he reluctantly used the family gift for private dental care.
Cost of private treatment
Deacon paid over £800 for an initial consultation and subsequent work, including two fillings, two replacement fillings and cleaning. At the time, he was under 19 and in full-time education, meaning the treatment would have been free on the NHS.
“I felt disappointed I had to use the money for dentistry,” he said. “The expense meant I was unable to buy new equipment to help me with my dysgraphia. And so I’ve had to work much harder at university to get past my learning disability.”
He added: “I feel lucky that, by chance, I had the money from my family to be able to afford vital dental work. But then I feel let down and annoyed knowing there are hundreds like me who can’t get an NHS dentist appointment – and can’t afford private care.”
Difficulty accessing NHS dentistry
Deacon first visited a private dentist in August 2025 after his attempts to register with an NHS dentist failed. While there was a dentist in his hometown and others closer than Leeds, none were accepting new patients.
“I discovered the price after the first appointment and was shocked,” he said. “I had no choice, though, as I couldn’t ignore it. I never really realised how bad NHS dentistry had gotten. I was so angry it had gotten to this state.”
Deacon said the situation is unacceptable: “It isn’t right that, in a country like ours, people are unable to access this vital medical service. There needs to be more investment into the NHS. It’s a national health service and so we shouldn’t be relying on private contractors to deliver what should be public free access healthcare.”
Jam Press has contacted NHS Dental Services for comment.
