As access to National Health Service (NHS) dentistry diminishes in the UK, with over 12 million people reportedly affected, a surge in Britons seeking dental care abroad has been observed. The failing system, which has left one in four adults in England unable to fulfil their dental needs, has led to a rising trend in dental tourism.
Over the past two years, around 6 million people were unable to secure an appointment with an NHS dentist, according to government data, and an additional 4 million did not even attempt to make an appointment, believing it would be fruitless.
The British Dental Association Chair, Shawn Charlwood, has labelled NHS dentistry as under an “existential threat” after scrutinising the data from the new IPSOS Mori GP Survey. He is planning to write to the health secretary, alerting them to the dire situation.
The crisis is indeed dire. Over a million patients have been discouraged from seeking dental treatment due to rising fees, and another 600,000 are on extensive waiting lists. Some Britons have even resorted to dangerous “do it yourself” dentistry, with a YouGov survey revealing that one in 10 have taken matters into their own hands, pulling out their own teeth in desperation.
The number of people deprived of dental health care in the UK continues to rise. Last year saw 11 million people affected, with current estimates for this year projected to be even higher, at 12.3 million.
However, amidst this escalating crisis, some Britons are exploring alternative solutions. Dental tourism, or travelling abroad for affordable dental treatment, has seen a spike in interest as an option to circumvent the struggling NHS system. Countries offering high-quality, cost-effective dental care like Hungary, Spain, and Turkey, are becoming popular destinations for UK citizens seeking immediate and professional dental treatments.
This unprecedented shift signifies not only the severity of the crisis in NHS dentistry but also the determination of Britons to seek viable solutions. It’s a situation that undoubtedly calls for swift action from UK health authorities. (AA)
