New report sets out the scale of the challenge to recover NHS dentistry

Responding to the Public Accounts Committee’s new report on fixing NHS dentistry Sarah Walter, director of the NHS Confederation’s Integrated Care Systems Network, said:

“This report is yet more evidence of the scale of the challenge to recover NHS dentistry. The crisis which has resulted in patients struggling to access NHS dentistry stems from historic underinvestment and a decline in NHS dentist numbers. This has led to the continued collapse in public satisfaction in NHS dentistry services since the pandemic.

“We have long called for a new dental contract, one which makes NHS work attractive to dental practices and ensures equitable access to dental care for patients. We know NHS England and the government recognise that tinkering with the existing contract will not address the challenges, and we welcomed the focus on improving access to dental care in the NHSE 2025/2026 planning guidance as well as the commitment to consult on reform.

“Integrated Care Systems (ICS) share the government’s commitment to improving access and services for patients, and particularly the focus on children, who can often end up in A&E when they can’t get dental care. While good progress has been made, our members know that a lot more work is needed to take advantage of the opportunities to tackle health inequalities and keep patients out of hospital. Dentistry can form a vital part of neighbourhood health as part of moving more care into the community.

“There is no quick fix for the dentistry sector, but the upcoming 10 Year Plan is an opportunity to set out how the sector can begin on the road to recovery.”