Time to act to protect the state of the nation’s oral health
3 min read
With waiting lists for NHS dental practices continuing to rise, accessing affordable dentistry is becoming a near impossibility for many across the UK.
It should not be the case that good oral health is a privilege only for those with the means to pay a private dental bill.
Dentistry is a vital part of the national health service, but difficulties receiving routine NHS dental care is having a significant impact on the nation’s oral health. A dentist’s role is to not only solve problems, but spot potential issues, like early onset gum disease or tooth decay, and intervene to prevent them. Without regularly visiting the dentist, the risk of developing gum or tooth disease increases, leading to poorer overall outcomes.
New data from the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Programme’s Oral Health Index* has found the extent of action individuals are willing to take in absence of dental care. Shockingly, over a third (34%) of 16 – 24 year olds would resort to ‘DIY’ dentistry measures, including self-tooth extraction, due to a lack of access to dental care. Young people in the UK should not be in the position to be considering such drastic measures, and it is critical that we act.
The Index also revealed the extent of concern around access to NHS dentistry across the UK. Over two thirds (68%) of respondents agreed there is a crisis in the provision of dental services, and over half (54%) recognised that there is a ‘postcode lottery’ when it comes to accessing dental services.
It is this postcode lottery that stands to further exacerbate oral health inequalities. In Greater London, where my constituency of Ealing Southall lies, nearly a third of respondents (29%) have not had a dentist appointment in over a year. If the postcode lottery on dental services persists, areas with already poor oral health outcomes will only continue to get worse.
In the short-term – and especially in areas with insufficient access - it is important that national and local decision-makers work with the dental industry to better educate individuals about the importance of good oral health routines. Measures like brushing twice a day and flossing are key, whilst tools like sugarfree gum can prevent cavities and play a vital part in protecting people’s oral health. This can support in alleviating some of the pressure in areas which are already stretched.
However, more concerted, system-wide action is needed. Without action to support the dental profession, many in my constituency and across the UK will continue to wait for routine NHS dental care, or resort to more extreme measures to relieve discomfort. The government must do more to support the dental profession, address the emergence of ‘dental deserts’, and tackle oral health inequalities by shifting the policy emphasis in oral health towards prevention.
With so many missing out on vital dental care, now is the time to act to help those that need support the most.
*Data from a survey Censuswide with a total sample size of 6,001 nationally representative adults (aged 16+) across the UK. Fieldwork was conducted between 28th July and 1st August 2022.
