Government’s expected failure to ensure everyone who needs to see a dentist can see one comes as no surprise, as more and more patients go private.
Late last month a report from the National Audit Office (NAO) into NHS dental services concluded that the previous government’s dental recovery plan which launched in February 2024 with the aim that “everyone who needs to see a dentist will be able to” is unlikely to deliver an additional 1.5 million treatments by March 2025.
It found that even if this target was achieved, it would still mean 2.6 million fewer treatments compared to before the pandemic.
The NAO’s assessment came as no surprise to advisers Health & Protection spoke to.
Lower capacity
Marcia Reid, non-executive director at Sherwood Healthcare, told Health & Protection: “It is interesting to note that even with the previous government’s dental recovery plan, there are expected to be 2.6 million fewer treatments than pre-pandemic.
“After routine dental care was suspended, once post-pandemic restrictions were lifted, I believe there were several reasons that NHS dental treatment numbers have reduced.
“When practices re-opened, many offered lower capacity due to additional infection control measures and workforce shortages continued as more dentists ceased to offer services on the NHS.
“Perhaps more significantly, I suspect that behavioural changes have come to play as people neglected their oral health regimes and ‘got out of the habit’ of going to the dentist.
“Add the fear factor from no check-ups for over four years, patients may be nervous of ‘what may be lurking’ and the cost of extensive treatment that could be needed.
“From a public health perspective, there are, of course significant concerns for the impact of delayed dental treatment and resulting hospital admissions.
“Add to that the continued cost of living challenges and dental appointments may be slipping down people’s personal agenda.”
Keen to support employees
Reid added that as state funded dental care becomes less accessible, the firm’s clients are keen to offer support to their employees.
“Dental insurance is a valued employee benefit which can play a part in their physical and financial wellbeing,” Reid continued.
“Schemes are now being rolled out to ‘all of workforce’ and although we are seeing increased claims incidence, so far there have not been the hefty premium increases that are becoming more routine in private medical insurance.
“Additionally, in the current economic environment, the contribution to dental costs within the benefit mix continues to be a key element of company funded cash plans.
No surprise
Isaac Feiner, managing director at Lifepoint Healthcare, told Health & Protection the report’s findings reflected the ongoing strain on NHS dental services, which comes as no surprise to his clients.
“Many have shared stories of immense stress and frustration—facing year-long waits for routine check-ups, resorting to private care for emergencies, or travelling significant distances just to secure basic treatment,” Feiner said.
“For families, this can mean juggling work and school while trying to manage deteriorating dental issues.
“This is where health and protection cover is making a real difference, providing access to private dental care quickly and alleviating the emotional and financial burden of long NHS delays.”
Significant uptake
Joanna Streames, owner of Velvet Mortgage and Insure Services, told Health & Protection she has seen a “significant” uptake in clients adding dental care to their private medical insurance policies, recognising that this can provide access to private dentists without the long delays.
“The strain on NHS services has also pushed some to explore treatment abroad,” Streames said.
“For example, I’ve personally experienced the convenience and affordability of dental care in Dubai, where my daughter and I have regular check-ups during our visits.
“Recently, my youngest daughter underwent comprehensive dental work there, including fillings and a root canal, completed promptly and to a high standard which was convenient and easy to access.”
Similarly, Streames added that she has had clients opt for general dentistry, not just cosmetic procedures, in countries like Poland and Türkiye.
“These destinations are known for their skilled professionals and lower costs, making them an increasingly viable option for routine and urgent care alike,” she continued.
“The growing reliance on private or international dental care underscores the gap in accessible NHS dentistry.
“Health cover seems to increasingly be playing a role in bridging this gap. By incorporating dental benefits into their policies, customers gain flexibility, access, and peace of mind, avoiding the financial strain and uncertainty of relying solely on NHS services.
“While these solutions address immediate needs, they highlight a broader issue: a national dental care system that needs sustainable reform to meet demand. Without it, more people will continue to seek alternatives outside the NHS framework.”
