A petition urging the proper funding of NHS dentistry was submitted to the Government today. Over 120,000 individuals signed the online petition, emphasizing the current inadequacy of the £3 billion allocated for dentistry in England, which only serves half the population. Compared to other UK regions, England receives nearly half the funding per capita for dental services.
In collaboration with the British Dental Association (BDA) and campaigning group 38 Degrees, The Mirror launched the Dentists for All campaign, demanding immediate funding for NHS dentistry. BDA Chair Eddie Crouch highlighted the urgent need for new investment to address access issues and alleviate the growing oral health crisis affecting 14 million people in England with unmet dental needs.
The existing NHS dental payment contract is under scrutiny for its shortcomings, leading to dentists facing financial losses when treating high-needs patients. This has resulted in many dentists moving to the private sector, leaving NHS patients struggling to find care. The success of contract reform hinges on an improved funding settlement.
Matthew McGregor, CEO of 38 Degrees, stressed the importance of adequate funding for NHS dentistry to ensure access to affordable care for millions of people across the UK. Despite stagnant funding levels for NHS dentistry in England since 2010, rising patient charges have masked significant cuts to government funding, exacerbating the affordability crisis.
The Government’s reluctance to increase direct funding for dentistry has coincided with inflation-driven hikes in patient charges, making dental care increasingly unaffordable for many. For instance, the cost of dentures has surged by £128 since 2010, with a current pair priced at £327.