Brits resorting to home dentistry after almost a quarter UNABLE to get an appointment last year
TRYING to see a dentist is like pulling teeth for many — who are resorting to DIY treatment.
A survey found almost a quarter of patients seeking NHS care last year were unable to get looked after.
Although around 14 million people are treated annually, millions more are missing out.
As a result, a quarter of these Brits opted to pay to go private — while almost a third simply gave up seeking NHS treatment.
And research by the Lib Dems shows one in five people who could not get treatment are turning to DIY dentistry, such as pulling out their own gnashers.
It means hundreds of thousands may be taking matters into their own hands.
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Lib Dem health spokeswoman Daisy Cooper blamed health services being “starved” of funding.
She said: “It’s a national scandal that people are forced to pull their own teeth out.
“We need to see an urgent plan to recruit more staff, increase the number of available beds and, once and for all, invest in crumbling buildings.”
British Dental Association chairman Eddie Crouch said: “DIY dentistry has no place in a wealthy, 21st-century nation, but today millions have no options.”
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However, a recent ITV probe found nearly 4,000 dentists have ditched almost all their NHS work.
A Department of Health spokesperson said: “The Health and Social Care Secretary has set out her four priorities of A, B, C, D – ambulances, backlogs, care, doctors and dentists.
“The number of dentists practicing in the NHS increased by over 500 last year, and we are continuing work to improve access to dental care for all NHS patients - backed by more than £3 billion annually.”