People ‘reaching for pliers’ amid dental appointment difficulties

More than a quarter of Britons unable to secure NHS dental appointments in the past two years have resorted to self-treatment, a new poll reveals, highlighting a deepening crisis in NHS dentistry.

Almost one in five sought treatment abroad, underscoring the lengths people are going to for dental care.

Experts have urged the Government to “pick up pace and keep its promises” on dentistry, to avoid patients “reaching for pliers or cheap flights”.

The poll, conducted by Ipsos for the PA news agency, surveyed 1,091 British adults. It found that fewer than half (48%) had successfully booked an NHS dental appointment within the last two years.

While over a third (36%) hadn't attempted to make an appointment, a significant 18 per cent reported being unable to secure one, painting a stark picture of access challenges.

Among those who could not get an appointment, more than a quarter (26%) said they had treated themselves, while 19% said they went abroad for treatment.

Eddie Crouch, chairman of the British Dental Association, said: “Desperate people are reaching for pliers or cheap flights because for many NHS dentistry has effectively ceased to exist.

“This service can have a future, but only if government is willing to pick up pace and keep its promises.”

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Source: The Independent, 21 March 2025