Address the shortage of NHS dentists for UK patients
The Issue
I never imagined a missed dentist appointment could have such lasting repercussions. Recently, after missing just one appointment, my dentist decided to strike me off their patient list. Since then, I've desperately called over 100 NHS dental practices only to hear the same disappointing response every time: "We're not taking on new patients." I'm not alone; many people across the UK are facing this crisis.
The shortage of NHS dentists is a critical issue affecting millions. According to recent figures, nearly 90% of NHS dental practices across the UK are refusing to take on new adult patients. For children, the situation isn't much better, with 79% of practices closed to new patients. This lack of access to essential dental care is leaving individuals and families vulnerable to worsening oral health conditions, which can lead to more serious health issues over time.
The dental system in the UK is clearly in crisis, driven by factors like insufficient funding, the extensive backlog from the COVID-19 pandemic, and overloaded dental practitioners. Without immediate action, many more will find themselves unable to receive necessary dental care, further exacerbating public health issues.
Our petition calls upon the UK Government and the NHS to urgently address this dental care crisis. We propose the following actionable solutions:
1. **Increase Funding**: Allocate additional resources to NHS dental practices, allowing them to expand their patient capacity.
2. **Contract Reform**: Work with dental professionals to reform NHS dental contracts, making them more attractive to both existing and new practices.
3. **Recruit More Dentists**: Implement programs and incentives to recruit more dental professionals into the NHS system, increasing overall capacity.
4. **Public Awareness Campaign**: Launch a national campaign to educate people on the importance of maintaining regular dental check-ups and how to avoid missed appointments.
By signing this petition, you can help amplify our voices and prompt decisive action to solve this urgent issue. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to ensure everyone has access to affordable, reliable dental care when they need it most. Sign now to call for a brighter, healthier future in dental care for all.
20
The Issue
I never imagined a missed dentist appointment could have such lasting repercussions. Recently, after missing just one appointment, my dentist decided to strike me off their patient list. Since then, I've desperately called over 100 NHS dental practices only to hear the same disappointing response every time: "We're not taking on new patients." I'm not alone; many people across the UK are facing this crisis.
The shortage of NHS dentists is a critical issue affecting millions. According to recent figures, nearly 90% of NHS dental practices across the UK are refusing to take on new adult patients. For children, the situation isn't much better, with 79% of practices closed to new patients. This lack of access to essential dental care is leaving individuals and families vulnerable to worsening oral health conditions, which can lead to more serious health issues over time.
The dental system in the UK is clearly in crisis, driven by factors like insufficient funding, the extensive backlog from the COVID-19 pandemic, and overloaded dental practitioners. Without immediate action, many more will find themselves unable to receive necessary dental care, further exacerbating public health issues.
Our petition calls upon the UK Government and the NHS to urgently address this dental care crisis. We propose the following actionable solutions:
1. **Increase Funding**: Allocate additional resources to NHS dental practices, allowing them to expand their patient capacity.
2. **Contract Reform**: Work with dental professionals to reform NHS dental contracts, making them more attractive to both existing and new practices.
3. **Recruit More Dentists**: Implement programs and incentives to recruit more dental professionals into the NHS system, increasing overall capacity.
4. **Public Awareness Campaign**: Launch a national campaign to educate people on the importance of maintaining regular dental check-ups and how to avoid missed appointments.
By signing this petition, you can help amplify our voices and prompt decisive action to solve this urgent issue. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to ensure everyone has access to affordable, reliable dental care when they need it most. Sign now to call for a brighter, healthier future in dental care for all.
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 29 September 2026