An overwhelming 94 per cent of dental professionals agree that the UK is facing a crisis in oral care, and are calling for increased investment to support the struggling sector, a recent survey of over 650 dental professionals from across the UK has found.
The newly released data from a survey conducted by the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Programme reveals that 70 per cent of dental professionals have reported an increase in patients attempting dangerous ‘DIY dentistry,’ such as self-extracting teeth, due to the lack of access to NHS dental services. This alarming trend is particularly evident in “dental deserts’. In the South West of England, for example, 80 per cent of professionals have reported an increase in DIY dentistry.
Nearly two-thirds (64%) of dental professionals have urged the government to prioritise investing in preventive oral health measures, which would help to reduce pressure on the NHS and enhance the nation’s oral health.
One such measure is the rollout of supervised toothbrushing programmes in schools for young children; an effective way of teaching good oral health habits from a young age, and something over two-thirds (68%) of dental professionals are urging the government to introduce.
Another viable and lost cost tool is the promotion of sugar-free gum, which 78 per cent of dental professionals are already recommending to their patients. Research conducted by Frontier Economics has found that NHS dental services could save £7.9m a year if more people chewed sugar-free gum.
Speaking on behalf of the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Programme, Dr Ben Atkins, former president of the Oral Health Foundation, said: “These findings highlight the severity of the dental crisis in the UK, with more patients resorting to dangerous DIY dentistry due to a lack of access to proper care. It’s a clear signal that we urgently need greater investment in preventive oral health measures to reduce the strain on NHS services and protect our patients’ well-being. Promoting simple measures, like the use of sugar-free gum in between meals, can play a significant role in preventing dental decay and supporting overall oral health.”
Eddie Crouch, British Dental Association Chair, said: “You would struggle to find a dental professional who doesn’t think dentistry in this country is in crisis. Millions without access, widening inequality, it’s a perfect storm that requires government to step up.”
“There’s no shortage of reports, reviews and inquiries that have arrived at exactly the same conclusion – prevention isn’t just better than cure, it’s cheaper too. We just need the commitment at Westminster to put these principles to work in our practices and in our communities.“
