People have been turning to DIY dentistry as the lack of NHS dentists in England soars. So-called dental deserts are growing across the country according to new analysis with people in deprived and rural areas likely to miss out on vital treatment.
The chairman of the Local Government Association's (LGA) community wellbeing board expressed concerns that a shortage of NHS dentists combined with the cost of living crisis could see more people forego dental treatment and risk emergency procedures in the future. Cllr David Fothergill urged the government to reform the contract it has with dental surgeries in a bid to tackle the issue.
Mr Fothergill said: "This stark new analysis shows a shortage in affordable dental treatments for communities all over the country. In particular, it is concerning that it is rural areas as well as those living with the highest levels of deprivation that are more likely to miss out on NHS dental provision.
