It follows the release of the ‘2024 GP Patient Survey’ by Ipsos. This is the first year that the survey has moved to an ‘online first’ approach. However, this is clear growth from 2023, when total figures stood at around 12m.
The association said access problems predate the outbreak of Covid-19. Before the pandemic, unmet need for NHS dentistry hovered consistently at around four million (one in 10 of the adult population).
The BDA stated that dentistry has failed to return to pre-covid levels because of the policies of the previous government. According to the association, these policies did not sufficiently reform the NHS dental contract.
Analysis by the professional body of the GP Survey by Ipsos showed:
• Unmet need for NHS dentistry in England now stands at 13m, or well over one in four of the adult population (28 per cent).
• An estimated 5.6m adults tried and failed to secure an appointment in the last two years.
• Many have stopped trying, with 5.4m not attempting to make appointments as they didn’t think they could secure care.
• The cost of care deterred 1.25m people, and around 780,000 indicated they were on waiting lists.
The professional body has been encouraged by the government’s policy to view the NHS as “broken”.
In July 2024, the association met with Wes Streeting, the secretary of state, who acknowledged the role the contract is playing in the current crisis. Dentist leaders have stressed the urgency of the situation, pressing for a short-term rescue package to keep practices afloat ahead of long-term reform of the contract.
Shawn Charlwood, chair of the BDA’s general dental practice committee, said, “NHS dentistry has effectively ceased to exist for millions across this country.
“A new government has inherited old problems, but luckily hasn’t followed in its predecessor’s footsteps by pretending this crisis has been solved.
“These numbers are stark reminder we need urgency and ambition to save this service.”
References available on request.