The crisis in dentistry: why has finding an NHS dentist become so difficult?

An investigation has found that nine in ten NHS dental practices aren’t accepting new adult patients

Female dentist examining patient with dental equipment
More than 2,000 NHS dentists quit last year
(Image credit: Luis Alvarez/Getty Images)

The NHS is meant to provide basic dentistry to all, although since 1951, adults who are not on low incomes have paid contributions for each treatment (currently, an emergency appointment costs £23.80). However, finding NHS appointments has become increasingly difficult.

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