Is there a shortage of NHS dentists?

According to the NHS, over 24,684 dentists performed activity during 2019-2020 – showing an increase of 139 compared with the previous year. So, there is undoubtedly a shortage of dentists in the UK.

Why are dentists not taking on NHS patients?

What are the problems? Dentists attribute closures and service changes to problems with recruitment and increased running costs. They say the money they receive from the NHS, and the contract requirements (including financial penalties), make it impossible to provide dental provision in a financially viable way.

Is it safe to go to the dentist in the UK at the moment?

Dental practices in the in the UK are open, following a short period of enforced closure last year. For a dental practice to treat you, they will need fully compliant PPE, exercise social distancing measures and apply appropriate cross-infection control.

Why is there a lack of dentist appointments in England?

The Healthwatch England document states: “A lack of NHS dentist appointments remains the most common issue that people have told us about. “People have indicated that dentists have prioritised private care or asked them to pay private fees if they wanted any treatment.”

What are the challenges facing the NHS in England?

An ambitious programme encompassing social care and health inequalities is needed The NHS in England faces unprecedented challenges in 2021.

Why do NHS patients have to pay for private dental appointments?

Photograph: Rui Vieira/PA Some NHS dental patients are being asked to pay for private appointments to get treatment while others face two-year waits to be seen, a watchdog has warned.

Are there fewer dentists in UK than last year?

The British Dental Association said 20m fewer dental treatments were carried out last year than in 2019.