A petition urging the proper funding of NHS dentistry has been submitted to the Government today. Over 120,000 individuals signed the online petition, emphasizing that the current £3 billion allocated for dental services in England is only sufficient for half of the population to access a dentist promptly. In comparison to other UK regions, the Westminster government invests almost half less per capita in dental care for England.
The Mirror has joined forces with the British Dental Association (BDA) and advocacy group 38 Degrees for the Dentists for All campaign. This initiative launched a petition demanding immediate funding for NHS dentistry.
BDA Chair Eddie Crouch highlighted the urgent need for new investment to address long queues at dental practices and alleviate access and affordability challenges. The lack of funding could place additional financial burdens on families and restrict options for essential dental care.
A significant oral health crisis exists in England, with around 14 million adults facing unmet dental needs due to a decade of funding cuts. Many dentists are no longer accepting new adult patients, leading some individuals to resort to self-extraction of teeth.
Reforms are in progress to address the shortcomings of the current NHS dental payment contract, which often results in dentists treating high-needs patients at a financial loss. However, the success of these reforms is contingent upon an adequate overall funding allocation.
Matthew McGregor, CEO of 38 Degrees, emphasized the critical need for immediate and proper funding for NHS dentistry to ensure millions of people have access to affordable dental care and do not suffer due to financial constraints.
Despite the stagnant budget of £3 billion for NHS dentistry in England since 2010, the real value has decreased significantly due to inflation. The British Dental Association estimates a reduction of over a third in real terms. Additionally, government funding for dentistry has decreased by £20 million, with patient charges rising disproportionately.
The reluctance to increase direct funding coincides with substantial increases in patient charges, such as a £128 rise in denture costs since 2010. This disparity raises concerns about the accessibility and affordability of essential dental services for the population.