Pandemic sparks big drop in dental treatment

The NHS data sparked a warning that access to dental care has collapsed and the impact of the pandemic on people's oral health will be felt "for years to come".

Figures from NHS Digital show 118,593 people aged 18 and over were seen by a dentist in Sunderland in the two years to the end of December – just 53% of the area's adult population.

This means 47% have not seen a dentist within the recommended longest interval between check-ups – up from 41% not seen in the two years to December 31 2019.

Nationally, just 45% of adults were seen in 2019 and 2020 – the lowest figure since at least 2016.

In Sunderland, 15,146 youngsters were seen in 2020 – down from 33,896 the year before – meaning just 28% of children saw a dentist last year.

The figures also show 16,287 courses of treatment were provided by dental practices between April and September – 84% less than over the same period in 2019.

Though dental practices resumed face-to-face care in June, the BDA say the gaps required between patient appointments to prevent virus transmission have "radically reduced" capacity.

British Dental Association chairman Eddie Crouch, said: "Access has collapsed, public health programmes suspended, and many practices have been pushed to the brink.

"Serious investment in prevention is needed now, alongside real support for a services millions depend on."

Since January 1, the Government has imposed financial targets that will penalise practices if they fail to hit 45% of their pre-pandemic activity targets.

But the BDA has refused to sign up to them, seeing them as unrealistic, and MPs have warned they will force practices to prioritise "volume over need".

An NHS spokesman said strict infection control rules mean many services have been disrupted, but that these targets are fair to dental teams.

A Department of Health and Social care spokesman said: “We are supporting the dental sector and continue to work in lockstep with the NHS to safely increase patient numbers across England."