EXPERTS are warning of growing numbers of “dental deserts” across the country with more deprived or rural local authority areas having fewer NHS dentists than those in more affluent urban areas. 

New analysis by the Local Government Association (LGA), which represents 350 councils in England and Wales, reveals no local authority area in the country has more than one dentist per 1000 of the population who provides NHS treatment.

It also reveals rural and deprived areas are more likely to have shortages in NHS dentists than their counterparts.

Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board said: “This stark new analysis shows a shortage in affordable dental treatments for communities all over the country.  

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“In particular, it is concerning that it is rural areas as well as those living with the highest levels of deprivation that are more likely to miss out on NHS dental provision. 

“As we continue to feel the effect of the cost of living crisis, a lack of NHS dentists could risk people choosing to forgo routine dental treatments or even resort to DIY dentistry, risking more costly emergency dental treatments being needed further down the line.  

Bournemouth Echo: Rural communities face 'dentist deserts'Rural communities face 'dentist deserts' (Image: PA)

“The Government should reform the contract it has with dental surgeries as well as develop a workforce strategy to ensure we can have affordable dental treatments for communities across the country.  

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“Councils also need a real terms increase in their public health grant so they can provide vital oral health improvement programmes to prevent longer term health problems. 

The British Dental Association has long warned that the current crisis in NHS dentistry is having a disproportionate impact on high needs patients, in already underserved communities.  

British Dental Association chair Eddie Crouch said: “The Government must be more ambitious in its plans to reform NHS dentistry. To save this service we need real commitment - root and branch reform and adequate funding.    

“A broken contract is forcing dentists out of the NHS every day it remains in force. Tinkering at the margins will do nothing to help the patients who need us most.”