The British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry (BASCD) welcomes the government’s recognition of the pressing issues in NHS dental access and its commitment to increasing urgent dental appointments. However, we remain cautious about the long-term impact and sustainability of this initiative.
While the commitment to providing 700,000 additional urgent appointments is a step forward, it does not address the systemic challenges facing NHS dentistry. The fundamental issue remains the chronic underfunding and workforce shortages that have led to the current crisis. Without clear information on how these extra appointments will be funded and delivered effectively, there is a risk that this measure may provide only temporary relief rather than long-term systemic change.
The DHSC release does not clarify how the additional urgent care appointments will be financed or whether funding will be allocated equitably to areas with the highest unmet needs. The removal of the new patient premium, while understandable given its limited impact, raises concerns about whether there will be alternative incentives to support NHS dental providers in taking on new patients.
The statement acknowledges ongoing recruitment efforts for dentists in ‘hard-to-reach’ areas but does not specify how the government will address the broader workforce crisis. Financial incentives alone, such as the ‘golden hello’ payment, have proven insufficient in attracting and retaining NHS dentists. A more sustainable approach would involve fundamental NHS contract reform, addressing the balance between preventive and restorative care, and ensuring career sustainability for dental professionals.
“While the announcement of 700,000 additional urgent dental appointments is a step in the right direction, it does not address the root causes of the crisis in NHS dentistry. Sustainable solutions require long-term investment, contract reform, and a strong workforce strategy. Expanding the population oral health workforce—by strengthening training pathways and fully integrating the entire oral health workforce —must be a priority.
Without clarity on how these appointments will be delivered and funded, there is a risk that this measure will provide only temporary relief rather than improvements in population oral health.”
Dr C. Jeavons, BASCD President.
BASCD welcomes the commitment to supervised toothbrushing for children in deprived areas as an evidence-based preventive measure. However, this initiative should be part of a broader strategy that includes water fluoridation, public health campaigns, and improved access to routine NHS dental care for children. The continued disparities in oral health outcomes, particularly in areas of high deprivation, underline the need for a more comprehensive and integrated approach to prevention.
The stark inequalities in oral health outcomes remain a significant concern. The government’s plan acknowledges that children in more deprived areas are disproportionately affected by dental decay, but the proposed measures do not go far enough in addressing the social determinants of health. BASCD advocates for a holistic approach that includes cross-sector collaboration, improved funding for community dental services, and policy measures that tackle the root causes of health disparities.
BASCD remains committed to advocating for evidence-based policies that promote equitable access to oral health care and address the underlying causes of poor dental health in the UK population. We look forward to engaging with policymakers and stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions for NHS dentistry.