One NHS dentist has been left serving thousands of people in some parts of the country, new data shows.
NHS digital figures show that in North Lincolnshire, there were just 54 NHS dentists - equating to one dentist for every 3,199 people.
It means each of the 54 dentists would be required to work nine hours each working day of the year in order for every patient to receive an annual check up.
Other parts of the country are facing similar difficulties, with East Riding of Yorkshire having one NHS dentist for 2,907 residents and Lincolnshire with one for every 2,546 people.
In Norfolk and Waveney, there was one dentist for every 2,519 people, reports the Guardian.
Experts in the field have warned dentistry is on its "last legs" as the industry continues to recover after the coronavirus pandemic, when practices were instructed to close and stop all routine dental care from March 25 in 2020 to June 8.
The latest figures show between April 2021 and March 2022, 26.4million courses of treatment were delivered by NHS dentists - more than double the 12million reported in the previous 12 months
However, this is still down from pre-pandemic levels.
Chair of the British Dental Association (BDA) Eddie Crouch said: “What we’re seeing isn’t a recovery, but a service on its last legs.
“The Government will be fooling itself and millions of patients if it attempts to put a gloss on these figures.
“NHS dentistry is lightyears away from where it needs to be.
“Unless ministers step up and deliver much needed reform and decent funding, this will remain the new normal.”
The BDA also said patients were now presenting with higher levels of need having put of required appointments across the previous two years during the pandemic.
It estimates it will take an extra £880million a year to restore resources to 2010 levels.
