One in nine Suffolk residents cannot get an NHS dentist
New figures reveal that 12% of people in Suffolk and North East Essex do not have access to a dentist, as health leaders warn NHS dentistry has "ceased to exist" for new patients.
Why it matters: The dental care crisis affects thousands of local residents, with those in the most deprived areas facing the greatest barriers to accessing treatment.
The figures come from the Office for National Statistics' health insight survey of 2,261 respondents in the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex region:
- 53% had an NHS dentist
- 36% used private dental care
- 12% had no dentist at all
The bigger picture: The local situation reflects a nationwide problem, with 13% of people aged 16 and over in England lacking dental care. The crisis disproportionately affects poorer communities, where 22% have no dentist compared to 9% in the least deprived areas.
By the numbers: In the East of England:
- 83 people without a dentist tried to access NHS dental care in the past month
- 90% failed to get an appointment
What they're saying: Eddie Crouch, British Dental Association chair, said: "For new patients NHS dentistry has effectively ceased to exist. Millions are struggling to access needed care, and those with the highest needs and lowest incomes are the hardest hit."
What's next: The Department of Health and Social Care says it plans to create 700,000 urgent dentistry appointments and reform the dental contract to make NHS work more appealing to dentists.
The bottom line: While the government acknowledges the system is "broken" and has pledged reforms, immediate solutions remain elusive for the thousands of Suffolk residents currently unable to access dental care.
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