Access to NHS dental services in Leicestershire remains a significant issue, with almost 75% of local practices still not taking on new adult NHS patients. Updated data from the NHS’s “Find a dentist” website shows that out of 120 dental practices in the region, 89 are not accepting new adults, mirroring the situation from six months ago.
The situation extends beyond adults, as 59% of practices are not accepting children under the age of 18. For those who are registered, many face long waiting times, with some practices only offering appointments “when availability allows”, which often doesn’t materialise. Rural and coastal areas, in particular, are severely impacted by the shortage, leaving many patients with no choice but to turn to private dental care, which can be expensive.
Efforts to address the problem include ongoing national initiatives to incentivise dentists to take on more NHS patients. Locally, the NHS Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland Integrated Care Board (LLR ICB) is making changes to service commissioning to improve access, with a focus on areas of greatest need, including Leicester city, rural regions, and less affluent communities.
However, the issue of limited NHS dental care is not unique to Leicestershire. Nationally, 73% of NHS dentists still do not accept new adult patients, with some practices reporting waiting lists of up to 10 years.
