Local Dental Services in Crisis Warns Ian Sollom MP

Local NHS dental services are in crisis, warns MP Ian Sollom, as thousands of people are unable to access treatment – including children, disabled people and pregnant women.    

Ian recently published findings from his health survey, which found that nearly 50% of those questioned were not registered with an NHS dentist and 50% had been forced to pay for private dental treatment.  

He also heard many personal stories from constituents including: 

• People having to endure painful dental problems because they are unable to afford the private fees being charged by dentists. 
• Vulnerable and disabled people having to travel many miles for treatment as they are unable to register with a local dentist. 
• Pregnant women who are eligible for free NHS dental treatment but are unable to access an NHS dentist. 
• Families driving miles to out-of-area dentists during school hours meaning children are missing out on their education. 

It comes at a time when dental health is at its worst in 30 years. An Adult Oral Health Survey published in January revealed 41% of adults now have rotten teeth, a rise of almost half since the last survey in 2009.  

Ian also recently met with some local dentists who provide NHS treatment but say they are facing barriers to providing treatment including: 

• NHS dental contracts are financially and operationally unviable and need urgent reform. Dentists are losing money treating NHS patients and have to subsidise the costs with private treatment.  
• A slow and bureaucratic approval process for newly qualified dentists, which is preventing them from starting jobs quickly. 
• Overseas-qualified dentists face complex exams and prolonged delays leading to staff shortages. 
• Increasing costs including materials, laboratory services and national insurance rises for staff. 

In addition, the British Dental Association (BDA) estimates dental private practice subsidises the NHS by around £300-400m a year. For example, a typical NHS dentist loses £42.60 for every denture fitted, and £7.69 for every new patient examination they carry out.  

While Government changes to the NHS dental contract just coming into force are welcome, they don't deliver the fundamental reform needed – and with no new investment, dentists will continue to lose money treating NHS patients, making it harder to sustain NHS provision. 

Ian said: “Some of the stories I have heard from local people are really shocking – especially children and vulnerable people going without vital treatment. 

“The NHS dental services are in crisis with so many people unable to access the care and treatment they need, which often leads to much worse problems down the line. It’s especially worrying to hear how many children are suffering from tooth decay and extractions at such a young age – something that can be prevented with early intervention. 

“The Government has a plan to reform dental services by 2035, but this is simply too slow and doesn’t include any new investment. It must be more ambitious in its reform of the NHS contracts and ensure a sustainably funded, patient-centred contract that has prevention and public health at its core. 

“It is also concerning that the Government’s recently launched Women’s Health Strategy makes no mention of dental care at all – this is a major oversight and must be remedied.   

“I will continue to press the Government for change and work with local dentists and the BDA to bring about reform. In the meantime, I would encourage anyone facing problems with dental services to contact me.”