This briefing, submitted to the PAC inquiry on Fixing NHS Dentistry, discusses four key themes:
- The dental contract is failing, and the Committee is right to prioritise scrutiny of this. Our research shows that it has several inherent flaws, and we make recommendations to replace it with a capitated contract which could be raised with witnesses.
- NHS dentistry is failing to cover a large proportion of the English population and is no longer a comprehensive service. Our analysis of the GP patient survey shows that only 52% of adults have tried to get NHS dental appointments, with signs that others were deterred by perceptions that they were not available. Of those who did try, one in five were unable to obtain care.
- The number of dentists providing NHS care has been falling, and those who do are spending fewer hours on publicly funded work.
- Spending on dentistry in England has fallen steadily in real terms since 2009/10 and is now 31% lower. A very large increase in funding would be needed to restore a universal service, and without this, we suggest that there should be renewed focus on making sure people who cannot afford private care or need prevention are covered. Contract reform would be required to achieve this.