00:00Access to NHS dentistry has become increasingly difficult across the UK.
00:06Many practices are not taking on new NHS patients,
00:09and those already registered can face long waits between appointments.
00:13For some people, routine check-ups are no longer guaranteed.
00:16Yeah, it's incredibly difficult for many patients, as we're aware,
00:19to get access to an NHS dentist, whether that's a local clinic
00:22or even if it's a clinic that they're looking to register as a new patient.
00:26There doesn't seem to be much capacity going around,
00:28and those that are lucky enough to see NHS dentists are waiting even longer
00:32for their appointments and their next check-up.
00:34Dentists say part of the issue lies in how the system is funded.
00:38Practices receive set payments under NHS contracts,
00:41but many argue those fees no longer reflect the true cost of delivering care.
00:45Some have handed back contracts altogether, choosing to leave the NHS system.
00:50The way the NHS works is that it guarantees dentists a certain number of
00:54remuneration funding for that particular year,
00:56and the fact that dentists are handing back money to the NHS,
00:59handing back contracts, you know, private dentists doesn't guarantee any revenue,
01:02doesn't guarantee you to see a number of patients on the NHS.
01:05But the fact that dentists are performing that as opposed to a guaranteeing income
01:09to the NHS is showing you how difficult it is for them to offer services in that system.
01:13When access becomes limited, problems can escalate.
01:17A simple toothache can develop into infection.
01:20Delayed treatment can mean more complex procedures, stronger medication,
01:24and in some cases, hospital visits that might have been avoided with earlier care.
01:29More needs to be done on prevention.
01:30More needs to be done on any intervention.
01:32A large amount of dental diseases can be preventable.
01:35We're seeing patients come to us at really late stages in their disease cycle,
01:38and those that are being prevented.
01:39Some patients unable to secure appointments are attempting to manage dental problems themselves.
01:46Dentists warn that self-treatment and overuse of painkillers can be dangerous,
01:50and online remedies are rarely tailored to individual medical needs.
01:54They'll be wearing so much pain that they're overdosing on painkillers,
01:58which is even worrying, and many of them have to go to A&E.
02:01Some of the reports we're seeing, overall, it's such an impossible mission to now see a dentist
02:07that patients are taking that into their own hands,
02:09and it just shows you the situation is so bleak for many, many patients.
02:14For those unable to register with a local practice,
02:17patients are being advised to explore multiple routes.
02:20NHS 111 can provide information on urgent appointments,
02:24while the NHS website lists practices currently accepting new patients.
02:29Some private providers also offer lower-cost plans or preventative services.
02:34In urgent situations such as severe swelling, difficulty swallowing or uncontrolled pain,
02:39patients are advised to seek immediate medical help.
02:43NHS 111 can assess symptoms and refer patients to available services.
02:48In life-threatening cases, A&E departments may be appropriate.
02:52They utilize services like NHS 111, like 2Fury itself,
02:56and try and see if you can access to a dentist immediately.
02:59Try not to do DIY dentistry.
03:01Try not to look on self-help, Google remedies, etc.
03:04They're not always the most relevant and personalised to your care.
03:08We know there's an incredibly difficult situation if you have difficulties in swallowing,
03:12big, large swellings that are life-threatening,
03:14stopping you from consuming food or even swellings going towards your throat.
03:19I think you need to see a medical professional, and that might even be A&E.
03:22But yeah, try and access NHS 111 first.
03:26Experts say meaningful reform would require a fundamental review of how NHS dentistry
03:31is structured and funded, with greater focus on prevention and early intervention.
03:35Without change, there are concerns the service risks
03:38becoming something people rely on only in times of crisis.
03:41It is becoming a service that's pretty much like Goldust.
03:45There is a postcode lottery.
03:46A large number of patients cannot see a dentist in their area.
03:49I guess one of the biggest situations that we're seeing is that the funding in the system
03:52is actually decreasing as well, not keeping up with the relevant needs of the population.
03:56Some dentists are having to hand back contracts
03:58because it cannot allow them to serve the patient base that they really want to.
04:03With demand continuing to outstrip supply in many areas,
04:06the wider question of how NHS dentistry is funded and delivered
04:11is likely to remain firmly on the agenda.
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