A new campaign pushing for full funding for NHS dentistry has gained nearly 40,000 signatures in just three days.
Launched by the British Dental Association (BDA) alongside the Daily Mirror and campaign group 38 Degrees, it calls for the government to ‘fix’ NHS dentistry across the UK.
The association has welcomed pledges that promised reform will roll out within this parliament – but remains ‘deeply concerned’ that no new investment has been pledged to support this. Without it, it argues that it is unclear how the access gap can be closed and practices made sustainable.
At the time of writing, the petition has had more than 39,000 signatures in three days – falling just short of its 40,000 target.
You can read more about the petition and sign it here.
‘Horror stories’ of NHS dentistry
BDA chair Eddie Crouch said: ‘Ministers have acknowledged NHS dentistry is at “death’s door”. That the horror stories we keep seeing are “Dickensian”.
‘It’s all true. But if we’re going to save this service, we need them to put their money where their mouth is.
‘It’s the practices delivering NHS care at a loss. The pay uplifts that are actual pay cuts. The vacancies that can’t be filled.
‘It’s simple economics. When it comes to NHS dentistry the government will get what it pays for.’
NHS dental contract in Wales
This comes as a significant overhaul was announced for the NHS dental contract in Wales, with a fresh focus on prevention and oral health need.
Under the new proposals – which come following a consultation in the summer – the unit of dental activity (UDA) system will be scrapped. Instead, people will be seen based on their oral health needs, with those who need active treatment or support to maintain their oral health will be seen more regularly.
Controversial proposals that would have seen patients being allocated to any available practice – rather than staying with just one – were also dropped.
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