Communities in deprived and rural parts of England are facing the biggest struggles to access NHS dental care, according to new analysis from the Local Government Association (LGA).
The research shows that no council area has more than one NHS dentist per 1,000 residents, with rural areas typically offering even fewer practices. Those living in areas with the poorest health outcomes are also less likely to have access to an NHS dentist compared with people in the healthiest parts of the country.
In Middlesbrough, which experiences some of the highest levels of deprivation, there are just 10 NHS dental practices per 100,000 people. This contrasts sharply with Richmond upon Thames, where there are 28 per 100,000 despite far lower levels of deprivation.
The LGA is calling on government to take targeted action to address these inequalities and improve access where the need is greatest.
Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor, chair of the LGA’s Health and Wellbeing Board, said: 'It is encouraging that the Government is taking steps to expand dental provision and invest in community services, but the current NHS dental contract must be reviewed if the service is to remain viable. More must be done to ensure fair access to care across all communities.'
British Dental Association chair Eddie Crouch echoed the call for urgent reform: 'For millions, NHS dentistry has effectively ceased to exist, especially among those most in need. The Government can save this service, but only with real ambition and sustainable funding.'
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