Over 40% of the Population are Without An NHS Dentist

New figures have recently revealed that over forty percent of the population do not have an NHS dentist. Where in the past these patients may have queued on the street for their place at an NHS practice, many have simply given up and opted for private treatment instead, making dental insurance a must.

Within the last two years, the NHS Information Centre data has shown that only 58.3 percent saw a dentist.

A familiar story, these figures come after the NHS dentistry contract was changed in 2006. It attempted to overhaul the system, yet has only made things worse.

Since the contract changes came into place, a number of dentists left the NHS claiming that they were being forced to work harder for less pay, and did not have the time they needed for each patient.

Liberal Democrat health spokesman, Norman Lamb, states that the flaws are fundamental, and many of the good dentists have left the NHS.

Another major problem is that even seemingly simple procedures are now costing the patient more than in the past, though the main complaint is that they do not have access to an NHS dentist at all. And, for those dentists still working on the NHS, many do not want to take on new patients with bad teeth. The simple fact is that they will be paid the same for less work with healthier patients.

A new set of recommendations has recently been published, helping to address many of these patients and to ensure both dentists and patients are happy.