MPs decry 'dental deserts' as NHS access hits all-time low in Devon

The state of NHS dentistry in the UK has reached critical lows, particularly in the South West, as a recent debate in Westminster Hall underscored.

MPs from various constituencies highlighted the bleak situation facing residents, many of whom are unable to access basic dental care. The discussion cast light on a system in desperate need of reform.

Richard Foord, Liberal Democrat MP for Honiton and Sidmouth, painted a stark picture of NHS dental accessibility in the South West.

"If we were to go back to 2015, 51% of adults in the south-west could see a dentist. That was also the case across England at the time," he stated.

However, the number has since fallen drastically. As of 2024, only 34% of adults in the South West have access to an NHS dentist, compared to 40% nationwide. Devon, in particular, witnessed a sharp decline, with NHS dentists dropping from 549 in 2015 to 497, pushing many residents into a state of dental neglect.

Steve Race, Labour MP for Exeter, echoed Foord's concerns, adding that "the proportion of children who get to see a dentist has dropped by a fifth, from about 61% of children in 2016 to 47% in 2024, well below the English average of 55%."

This access gap is not just a matter of inconvenience. In Exeter, 22% of five-year-olds already have tooth decay, and tooth decay remains the primary reason for hospital admissions among children aged six to ten, according to the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Local primary schools report children arriving in reception with blackened stumps instead of healthy teeth.

The problem, according to many MPs, lies not just in workforce shortages but also in how NHS contracts are structured and financed. Steve Race pointed out that Devon’s NHS dental budget was underspent by over £86 million in 2023-24, "not due to any lack of demand but largely due to dental practices being unable to work under the current NHS contract." Mr Race explained, "We are asking dentists to deliver NHS services at a loss, which is clearly unsustainable."

This shortfall in funding for NHS services means that thousands of families in Devon and the broader South West are left with no alternative but costly private care or, worse, no care at all.

Rebecca Smith, Conservative MP for South West Devon, described the unique struggle her constituents face, noting that only 34.7% of adults in her area have seen a dentist in the past year. The shortage is especially dire in rural and coastal areas, where access to healthcare has traditionally lagged. Smith shared that over 60,000 residents in Devon alone are currently on waiting lists, believing they are entitled to an NHS dentist.

Steve Darling, Liberal Democrat MP for Torbay, described his constituency as a “dental desert.” Torbay residents face extensive waiting lists and diminishing hope of securing NHS dental care, leading to widespread neglect. Darling recounted stories from residents, like one woman who was left with half-completed dental work after her NHS dentist withdrew, resulting in ongoing pain. Another resident, Kirstie, who requires regular checks due to a high risk of oral cancer, now lacks access to necessary dental monitoring, contributing to severe mental health impacts.

These testimonies highlighted the harsh reality for many in the South West. Families, forced into costly private dental services, find themselves grappling with the financial strain amid a rising cost of living.

“The cost of simply being accepted on to a private dentistry register can be upwards of £70 a month for a small family,” said Mr Race, framing the issue as an economic burden that compounds existing inequalities.

The crisis has not gone unnoticed by the government. Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock assured the House that the government is working “at pace” to address these issues. Citing recommendations from the Darzi report, which calls for an overhaul in NHS contract structures, Mr Kinnock acknowledged that “we are very far from where we want and need to be.”

The government has introduced initiatives, such as a “golden hello” scheme, offering payments of up to £20,000 to dentists willing to work in underserved areas. Additionally, 700,000 new urgent appointments are promised as part of a broader effort to alleviate the dental care backlog.

Yet, many MPs remain skeptical. Richard Foord expressed cautious optimism about integrating dental care into community health hubs, a proposal that could bring dental services closer to rural and isolated residents. Meanwhile, Mr Kinnock defended the government’s approach, highlighting a commitment to prevention through supervised toothbrushing programs and fluoride varnish schemes targeted at children in deprived areas, including those in Devon.

“We have to be honest about the problems facing NHS dentistry,” Mr Kinnock remarked, acknowledging that “it is truly shameful” for children’s hospital admissions to be driven by preventable tooth decay. The government’s 10-year strategic plan promises to shift focus from acute care to community-based, preventive services, although a precise timeline remains unclear, pending further budget discussions.

The Westminster debate underscored the urgency for systemic change to NHS dentistry, especially for the South West. With many MPs calling for immediate reforms and substantial funding to support regional disparities, the issue has risen to a critical national conversation. As Rachel Gilmour, Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead, stated: “It is quite staggering that recommendations from a report published 15 years ago, are still not implemented.”