Patients Resorting to DIY Dentistry Due to Lack of Access or Affordability
- Forecasted underspend for primary dental care in 2022/23: £400 million
A recent report has highlighted a concerning trend, with patients resorting to pulling out their own teeth at home due to a lack of access or affordability of NHS dentists. The report calls for urgent reform to address the pain and distress experienced by individuals in the 21st century.
According to a YouGov poll conducted in March 2023 with 2,104 participants, 10% admitted to attempting “DIY dentistry”. Of this group, 56% had done so in the past year, and 20% cited the unavailability of an NHS dentist as the reason. Additionally, 22% of respondents were not registered with a dentist, with 23% stating affordability as the barrier.
The report also includes evidence from over 30 Healthwatch groups and highlights case studies where patients had to resort to using pliers to extract problem teeth or make lengthy trips to access an NHS dentist.
Ten per cent of 2,104 people asked in a YouGov poll admitted to attempting ‘DIY dentistry’ (file image)
The report reveals significant regional disparities in access to NHS dentistry, with the worst affected being individuals from deprived areas, ethnic minorities, the homeless, and those with complex needs such as autism. Furthermore, it states that the forecasted underspend for primary dental care in 2022/23 is £400 million based on freedom of information requests.
Steve Brine, chairman of the committee, expressed concern over the crisis in NHS dental services and the lack of awareness among individuals of their entitlements. The committee calls on the government to ensure that every person in need of an NHS dentist can access one within a reasonable distance and time frame.
The committee also recommends conducting a dental workforce survey and launching a patient information campaign to improve awareness of NHS dentistry. Failure to act, according to Shawn Charlwood of the
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Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
