NHS Dentistry Continues to Decline: What Does This Mean for Patients?

Healthwatch West Berkshire
28 minutes ago
2 min read

Access to NHS dentistry remains one of the issues we hear about most often at Healthwatch West Berkshire.

A new analysis from the Nuffield Trust highlights the scale of the challenge, finding that around 1 in 10 NHS dental practices in England have stopped providing NHS care since 2017. The great extraction: the changing state of NHS general dental services in England | Nuffield Trust

The research found that the proportion of dental practices offering NHS treatment fell from around 65% in 2017 to 56% in 2026, while the number of practices providing NHS general dental services declined by around 600 practices nationwide. At the same time, the number of practices operating without an NHS contract, largely providing private dentistry, has increased substantially.

The decline has been seen across almost every part of England, with 41 out of 42 Integrated Care Board (ICB) areas experiencing a reduction in NHS dental practices.

Why NHS Dentistry Matters

Regular dental appointments help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, identify mouth cancers early, and support overall health and wellbeing. When people cannot access routine dental care, small problems can quickly develop into more serious conditions that require complex treatment.

For many residents, particularly those on low incomes, families with young children, older people, and those with long-term health conditions, NHS dentistry provides an affordable route to maintaining good oral health. If NHS appointments become increasingly difficult to access, there is a risk that inequalities in oral health will continue to grow.

The Impact on Patients

There is a growing concern about appointments. Recent survey findings showed that many people did not even attempt to seek an NHS dental appointment because they believed they would be unable to get one, among those who did try to secure a new appointment, fewer than four in ten were successful.

At Healthwatch West Berkshire, we understand the frustration many residents experience when trying to find an NHS dentist accepting new patients. We continue to share local experiences with commissioners and decision-makers to help ensure patient voices remain central to future improvements.

Looking Ahead

The Government has introduced some recent changes aimed at improving access, including reforms to urgent dental care provision and increased payments for certain complex treatments.