The UK may face a dental health crisis as costs continue to rise, according to the Oral Health Foundation. The organization has highlighted that while much attention has been drawn to NHS dental access issues, the real obstacles faced by patients are becoming increasingly clear.
A significant 17% of individuals report difficulty finding a local NHS dentist, and 12% encounter challenges in booking appointments. However, the escalating costs of dental treatment remain the foremost concern with considerable implications for public health. Over the past decade, NHS dentistry charges have increased far beyond the rate of inflation, placing an unsustainable burden on patients. During this period, treatment charges have surged by around 50%.
The Oral Health Foundation believes that the trajectory of rising patient costs is untenable for those on lower incomes or residing in deprived areas who rely on accessible and affordable dental services. Dr Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, warns of an impending crisis.
“For decades, NHS dentistry has been perceived as a separate entity from other NHS services, with patients bearing the brunt of rising costs,” says Dr Carter. “This trajectory is unsustainable, especially for vulnerable populations who depend on fully accessible and affordable dental care.”
As the cost of living continues to rise sharply, dental care falls lower on the priority list for many individuals. However, neglecting oral health can lead to serious complications that impact overall well-being and exacerbate health inequalities.
“The consequences of untreated oral diseases are not just confined to the mouth,” adds Dr Carter. “The effects ripple through our overall health. For instance, untreated gum disease is linked to serious conditions like cardiovascular disease, strokes, Alzheimer's, and diabetes.”
Dr Carter emphasizes: “The potential outcomes are alarming – a surge in preventable chronic illnesses could diminish people's quality of life and impose staggering healthcare costs.”
The charity is urging political parties to prioritize NHS dentistry reform by addressing issues such as patient costs, workforce shortages and the NHS dental contract. Without immediate intervention to tackle rising NHS dental costs, unresolved dental issues will likely increase health disparities and place further strain on healthcare resources.
“Failure to act swiftly could result in a dental health crisis,” adds Dr Carter. “This will have far-reaching consequences for public health. It is imperative that the next government takes urgent action to ensure accessible and affordable dental care for all.”
In addition to calling for reforms, the charity emphasizes that prevention is key to saving money on dental care. A good oral care routine can help avoid expensive corrective treatments.
Regular brushing, interdental cleaning, a low-sugar diet and routine dental check-ups can prevent minor issues from escalating into serious conditions requiring costly interventions.
