UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The British Dental Association warns that many English dentists are leaving NHS services due to inadequate fees, with surgeries forced to operate at a loss.
Industry leaders said that the mass shortage of NHS dentists is deepening the patient care crisis, raising concerns that the system is nearing a breaking point.
What did the BDA say about NHS fees and dentist losses?
The British Dental Association report highlights an increasing number of dentists withdrawing from NHS work as reimbursement fees fail to meet procedural costs.
The document reveals that NHS payments failing to match escalating costs are pushing dental surgeries in England to subsidize patient care, likening their operations to charitable work.
The BDA analysis discloses that dentists are being forced to fund NHS care through private income, covering approximately £332 million each year.
How much are dentists losing on NHS treatments?
According to the BDA, NHS-funded treatments are costing dentists, with each denture fitting resulting in a £42.60 loss and new patient examinations falling short by £7.69.
Its calculations indicate that dental clinics lost £40.60 on bone-removal surgeries and £21 on molar root canal and crown treatment under NHS funding.
What is the future of NHS dentistry amid growing concerns?
In a recent address to MPs, Health Secretary Wes Streeting called NHS dentistry as being on the brink of collapse and pledged urgent reforms to rescue the struggling service.
Before Thursday’s session, the BDA submitted a dossier of evidence to the Commons Public Accounts Committee, where NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard and England’s chief medical officer, Prof Sir Chris Whitty, will testify on the escalating crisis in NHS dental services.
The lack of NHS dentistry has led to a surge in “DIY dentistry” and the formation of “dental deserts” across England, sparking significant political and public concerns.
What did Shiv Pabary from BDA say about dentists leaving the NHS?
Shiv Pabary, chair of the BDA’s General Dental Practice Committee, stated, “Demoralised dentists are walking away from a system that is forcing practices to operate like a charity,” highlighting the urgent need for reform in NHS dental care.
He said,
“This service is running on empty, kept afloat by private work and goodwill which is now in very short supply,”
adding,
“A typical practice is losing over £40 on a set of NHS dentures. Without the cash from private work covering those losses, it wouldn’t be possible to pay the bills.”
Mr Pabary pointed out that austerity has pushed more dentists toward private dentistry, while the Treasury’s approach is not only failing to stop the NHS walkout but also intensifying their departure from NHS services.
He stressed that a substantial rise in NHS dentistry funding is essential in the autumn spending review, warning that without it, Chancellor Rachel Reeves could be held responsible for the downfall of a service millions depend on.
What did the Nuffield Trust report reveal about the financial struggles in NHS dentistry?
A 2023 report by the Nuffield Trust warned that NHS dentistry faced a permanent decline without decisive action, stating that dentists were suffering financial penalties for serving NHS patients.
Mark Dayan, policy analyst and head of public affairs at the Nuffield Trust stated,
“Dentists aren’t necessarily losing money on NHS work, but they often have to make a financial sacrifice to treat NHS patients instead of private ones.”
Mr Dayan claimed the NHS was violating its legal duty to ensure universal access to dental care for everyone.
What did the Department of Health say about fixing NHS dentistry?
A Department of Health and Social Care representative stated,
“This government inherited a situation where NHS dentistry is broken after years of neglect. We are committed to rebuilding it, but it will take time.”
According to the health department spokesperson, NHS trusts have been instructed to start preparing for 700,000 extra urgent dentistry appointments to ensure timely care for patients.
Wes Streeting pledged to reform NHS dental contracts by adding additional appointments and a recovery strategy. But the BDA claims no solid action plan has been made since Labour took office last July.