Summary
Access to dental care in the UK is worsening as private fees for procedures like root canals (£775), tooth extractions (£435), and white fillings (£325) have risen by up to 32% since 2022.
The scarcity of NHS dentists is forcing patients to turn to expensive private care, leaving many unable to afford treatment.
Patient groups warn this trend risks deteriorating public oral health.
Rising operational costs, a nationwide dentist shortage, and underfunded NHS services are fueling the crisis, prompting calls for reforms and increased NHS investment.
Bad oral health in the UK?
I wanted to make a joke about “What decade is this?” but I didn’t know which one to pick.
While it’s a joke, NHS funded dental care for under 18s in the UK has historically meant a lower incidence in children of missing or filled teeth than the US.