The Oral Health Foundation has joined other dental sector leaders on BBC Radio 4’s Inside Health to discuss the ongoing challenges in accessing NHS dental care and the urgent need for reform.
Dr Rachael England, Head of Policy and Advocacy at the Oral Health Foundation, participated in the programme alongside Eddie Crouch, Chair of the British Dental Association, and consultant oral surgeon Tom Thayer. The discussion focused on why many people across the UK are unable to find an NHS dentist and what changes are needed to protect public health.
Access to NHS dentistry was described as reaching a critical point, with reports of patients traveling long distances or waiting years for appointments. Dr England highlighted that poor access affects more than just oral health: “When people cannot get routine dental care, problems don’t stand still – they get worse,” she said. “We are seeing the impact not just in mouths, but across general health, from diabetes to heart disease, and in hospital settings where preventable dental infections can become life-threatening.”
Hospital clinicians featured on the programme described cases where patients arrived with advanced infections requiring extended hospital stays and complex surgery—situations that are distressing for those affected and increase costs for the NHS.
The conversation also addressed proposed contract reforms intended to stabilise NHS dentistry. However, concerns remain about whether these changes will make NHS work sustainable enough to attract and retain necessary staff. The programme included a report from a mobile dental unit operated by Dentaid in Portsmouth, showing how charities are providing support for those unable to access regular services. The Oral Health Foundation stated that while such schemes demonstrate what is possible, they cannot replace a properly funded national service.
Dr England emphasised that prevention must be part of any solution: “Dentistry is now firmly on the public and political agenda, which is welcome. But people need more than headlines – they need appointments. Any long-term solution must make NHS dentistry viable for the profession and accessible for patients, while also investing in measures that stop disease before it starts.”
The Oral Health Foundation continues its efforts with partners, policymakers and professionals to ensure oral health is recognised as essential to overall well-being. As an independent charity focused on oral health education and advocacy [source], it delivers evidence-based information through campaigns like National Smile Month [source] and offers free resources on topics such as toothbrushing techniques and gum disease prevention [source]. The foundation also collaborates with international organizations to promote oral health standards globally [source].
BBC Radio 4 - Inside Health - Why is it so hard to find an NHS dentist?
