New analysis by the Local Government Association (LGA) reveals an ongoing crisis in NHS dental services, with so-called “dental deserts” preventing many communities—particularly rural and deprived areas—from accessing basic oral care.
Based on NHS data, the LGA reports that no local government area in England has at least one NHS dentist for every 1,000 residents. Rural areas, in particular, face a shortage of clinics, creating significant barriers to access.
The analysis also highlights stark inequalities:
Communities with poorer health are less likely to find an NHS dentist locally, while those with better health are more likely to have one.
Middlesbrough, one of the most deprived areas in England, has only 10 NHS dental clinics per 100,000 people; by contrast, Richmond upon Thames, affluent, has 28.
Areas with high rates of childhood dental caries are not receiving more NHS services in response to the high demand.
The Local Government Administration (LGA) warned that this uneven distribution of resources is exacerbating health disparities and called on the government to take targeted measures to prioritize improvements in care for communities most in need.
Dr. Wendy Taylor, Chair of the Local Government Health and Wellbeing Committee, said:
“Communities across the country, particularly in rural and deprived areas, continue to lack affordable dental care. Poor oral health has serious consequences for overall health, including cardiovascular disease. Ensuring equitable access to NHS dental care is vital for everyone.”
Eddie Crouch, President of the British Dental Association, also noted:
“For millions of people, NHS dental services have all but disappeared, especially for those most in need. The government still has a chance to save the system, but it must demonstrate real ambition and provide sustainable funding.”
The LGA welcomed the government’s recent moves to expand the provision and investment in community dental services, but stressed that only fundamental reform of NHS dental contracts can ensure long-term and equitable access to dental care.