Figures show fall in NHS dentist numbers
Figures obtained by the British Dental Association (BDA) show a fall in the number of NHS dentists working in England.
Data from the NHS Business Services Authority, which was accessed by the BDA via a Freedom of Information request, suggests that dentist numbers have fallen from 24,272 in 2021/2022 to 23,577 in 2022/2023. This is the first time the numbers have dipped below 24,000 since 2014/2015 with the exception of the pandemic period.
In response to the figures, the BDA has urged the government to stop trying to put a spin on the situation and be honest and open. Despite claims from ministers, statistics suggest that NHS dentist numbers are falling. Without a robust rescue package, NHS dentistry could crumble, the body warned.
Shawn Charlwood, chair of the BDA’s general dental practice committee, said that the government should accept the data and implement a rescue package followed by robust changes to the NHS dental system. The BDA wants minimum UDA (units of dental activity) to increase in line with patient charges. The new minimum charge of £23 was introduced in October, but band 1 treatment prices increased to £25.80 in April 2023. NHS dentists are operating at a loss, the BDA claims and this is causing the service to ‘haemorrhage talent.’
The British Dental Association has also called for the government to protect NHS funding and add more money to the pot, with millions of people now facing difficulties accessing NHS dental services. Up and down the country, practice teams are working at full pelt but the demand for treatment is too high for the supply. People are being turned away because there are no new patient places available and those who do need an appointment often have to join a waiting list.
For more news click here.
Join this Discussion