England’s chief medical officer, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, has issued a stark warning about the state of NHS dentistry, describing it as “very weak” and “not fit for purpose.” Speaking to the Public Accounts Committee in Parliament, Sir Chris expressed deep concerns about the lack of access to NHS dental care, particularly for children. He emphasized that this scarcity sets them up for “lifelong poor dental health,” highlighting the long-term consequences of inadequate dental care from a young age.
Sir Chris painted a bleak picture of the NHS dental system, stating that it has deteriorated significantly over the years. The last time the system functioned as it should, in his view, was in the early 1990s. Since then, changes have either failed to address the issues or exacerbated them. He noted that the system’s weakness is especially evident during dental emergencies, where many people struggle to access the care they need. Sir Chris highlighted the importance of early prevention, but lamented that the reality is far from ideal. Instead of proactive care, the system often deals with problems after they have become severe, which is both costly and detrimental to patients’ health.
One of the most alarming aspects of the crisis is the impact on children. Sir Chris revealed that a common procedure in hospitals is the removal of decayed teeth in young patients. This procedure, often necessary due to untreated tooth decay, can have lifelong consequences for a child’s dental health. Shockingly, data shows that as many as six in ten children in England have rotting teeth by the age of five. This figure varies significantly across different regions, with poorer areas faring much worse than affluent ones. For example, the number of five-year-olds with poor dental hygiene is rising in regions such as London, the North East, and the South West. This stark disparity underscores the deep inequality in access to dental care and the urgent need for solutions.
The situation has been further complicated by the failure of the NHS Dental Recovery Plan, introduced by the previous Conservative government in February 2024. The plan aimed to address the growing crisis in NHS dentistry by increasing the number of treatments available to patients. However, when asked whether the plan was on track to meet its goals, Sir Chrisresponded with a straightforward “no.” The committee also heard that while the total number of dentists in England has increased, the number of dentists providing NHS care has actually decreased. This trend has further reduced access to affordable dental care, leaving many patients without the support they need.
Sir Chris and other NHS leaders have criticized the Dental Recovery Plan for failing to deliver on its promises. Instead of expanding access to dental care, the plan has struggled to recruit new dentists or increase the number of available appointments. This failure has left millions of patients, including children, without the care they need. The situation is particularly dire for those in poorer regions, where access to dental care is already limited. The rising rates of tooth decay in these areas suggest that the current system is not only failing to improve dental health but is actually allowing the problem to worsen.
The chief medical officer’s warning serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform in NHS dentistry. The current system is failing patients, particularly children, and the consequences will be felt for years to come if left unaddressed. Sir Chris’s testimony highlights the importance of early prevention and the need for a more robust and equitable dental care system. Without significant changes, the cycle of poor dental health will continue, with the most vulnerable populations bearing the brunt of the burden. The time for action is now, and policymakers must take bold steps to ensure that all children have access to the dental care they deserve, setting them up for a lifetime of better oral health.
