Anger as more dentists leave NHS to go private
A THIRD of NHS dentists are considering going private, sparking fury among patients groups.
The British Dental Association warned the strain placed on dentists by Covid-19 restrictions could spark an exodus from the health service.
Its survey of staff in England found one in three were likely to go private if things do not improve within 12 months.
The BDA estimated more than 30 million appointments had been lost since the start of the first lockdown.
Rachel Power, chief executive of the Patients Association, said: “Many dental patients have clearly had terrible experiences during the pandemic, spending long periods in serious pain while unable to access treatment.
“If large sections of the country’s dental capacity are at risk of turning entirely private, that suggests a fundamental structural problem with how dental services are organised and funded. Ministers urgently need to get a grip on this situation.”
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “There were problems of access and affordability even before the pandemic so as we begin to envisage life after Covid it is important that the need for a comprehensive and effective NHS dental service is fully factored in.”
The BDA said strict infection control measures and the threat of penalties for not hitting targets for NHS work were having a devastating impact on morale.
It is urging the Government to set out a clear map for reform as the country exits lockdown.
Almost nine in ten of the 1,700 dentists surveyed said having to wear lots of personal protective equipment affected their morale.
Shawn Charlwood, chairman of the BDA’s General Dental Practice Committee, said: “The pandemic has wiped out access for millions and taken a hammer blow to the workforce, with many now looking for the exit.
“Fixing NHS dentistry will be impossible if dentists are left unwilling to work in it.”
A Department of Health spokesman said: “We are supporting the dental sector throughout this pandemic and we continue to work closely with the NHS to increase access to high quality, affordable dental care as fast as possible, while protecting staff and patients.”