NHS dental access crisis hits Somerset and Merseyside

Access to NHS dental services remains a significant challenge across parts of England, with specific regions facing severe shortages. In Somerset, fewer than half of children under 18 visited an NHS dentist in the year ending March, a figure of 44.7 per cent. This is the lowest rate of any English council area outside of London and falls well below the national average of 60 per cent.

In Merseyside, specifically Sefton, residents face similar difficulties. Reports indicate that many dental professionals are transitioning to private practice due to the unappealing nature of NHS contracts, and national funding is estimated to cover only about half the population. Data from the British Dental Association suggests that 96.9 per cent of people without a dentist who attempted to secure NHS care were unsuccessful.

As a result, many individuals are turning to alternatives. Some opt for private treatment, while others utilize dental tourism, traveling to destinations such as Hungary via flights from Manchester or Liverpool. In response to these shortages, local officials have described certain areas as ‘dental deserts,’ with some lawmakers proposing amendments to guarantee access to urgent care and regular check-ups for children.