New analysis from the Local Government Association (LGA) reveals
the ongoing crisis of ‘dental deserts' – areas where dental
practices offering NHS services are scarce.
Using data published by NHS England, the LGA found that an uneven
distribution of NHS dental practices in England is leaving many
communities struggling to access treatment, particularly rural
and deprived areas.
No local authority area in the country has more than one dentist
providing NHS treatment per 1,000 people, with rural areas more
likely to have fewer NHS practices.
People living in areas with the poorest health outcomes in
England are less likely to find an NHS dentist in their area than
those living in areas with the best health outcomes. This
suggests that demand is outstripping supply in communities that
need it most.
In Middlesborough, there are just 10 NHS dental practices per
100,000 despite having one of the highest levels of deprivation,
compared to Richmond upon Thames with 28 per 100,000 people and
one of the lowest deprivation levels.
Analysis also found that despite an obvious need, areas with
higher rates of child dental decay don't have more NHS dentists
than areas with lower rates.
The LGA warns that a persistence of unequal access to NHS dental
care is deepening health inequalities and is urging the
Government to introduce targeted policy responses to improve
provision in the most underserved areas.
Cllr Dr , Chair of the LGA Health and
Wellbeing Committee, said:
“This new report highlights that there is still a shortage of
affordable dental treatment in all communities across the
country, particularly rural and more deprived areas.
“We know that poor dental health can significantly impact overall
health outcomes, including increasing the risk of cardiovascular
disease. Equal access to NHS dental services is vital for every
community to ensure all residents have the same opportunities to
look after their health.
“It is encouraging that the Government is taking steps to improve
dental access, such as expanding provision and investing in
community dental services, but it is also vital that the current
dental contract is reviewed to make NHS dentistry more viable.
There is still more to do to ensure equitable care for all
communities.”
British Dental Association Chair Eddie Crouch
said:
"For millions, NHS dentistry has effectively ceased to exist,
especially among those who need care the most.
"Government can save this service, but that will require real
ambition underpinned by sustainable funding."
Notes to editors
Dental Deserts: An
analysis of active dental practices offering NHS services across
local authorities in England and Wales:
- The mean number of active dental practices offering NHS
services per 100,000 people in an English and Welsh local
authority was 16 and the median was 15.
- English Local authority with the least NHS dentists per
100,000 people: Thurrock (10)
- Most deprived (Overall IMD) English local authority with the
least dentists per 100,000: Blackpool (12)
- Dentists are commissioned and funded by NHS England to
provide treatment. Councils are responsible for oral health
programmes to promote good oral health and prevent problems,
including early years, schools and training staff.
Data sources
