What Our Nationwide Dental Study Revealed
The UK’s dental access crisis is no longer just a talking point, it is rapidly becoming a growing public health concern.
At Smart Dental Care, we are proud to have been featured in a recent PR article highlighting the findings from our own nationwide study into access to dental care across the UK. The research sheds light on the increasing difficulties many people face when trying to access affordable and routine dental treatment.
A Worrying National Picture
Our study revealed several concerning trends that highlight the challenges patients are currently facing:
- 29% of people said they are avoiding regular dental appointments because of the cost
- 18% reported they cannot currently find an NHS dentist accepting new NHS patients
- Many patients admitted they are now only seeking dental treatment once they are already in pain
These findings suggest that preventive dental care is becoming increasingly inaccessible for many communities across the country.
Routine dental check-ups play a vital role in identifying problems early, preventing tooth loss, reducing the risk of gum disease, and detecting serious conditions such as oral cancer. Delaying care can often result in more complex and costly treatment later on.
Regional Differences Across the UK
The research also revealed significant regional variations in dental attendance and access to care.
North East England
The North East recorded the lowest attendance rates in the study, with 33% of residents saying they had not visited a dentist in more than 18 months.
Wales
Wales followed closely behind, with 22% of people reporting they had gone without dental treatment for over a year and a half.
Northern Ireland
In contrast, Northern Ireland demonstrated some of the strongest attendance figures, with more than half of residents saying they had visited a dentist within the last six months.
London and the West Midlands
London and the West Midlands also showed stronger engagement with routine dental care compared to other regions.
These findings highlight what many within the industry have described as a growing “postcode lottery” when it comes to accessing dental care.
The Importance of Preventive Dentistry
As Subahu Shah explains:
“Regular check-ups are the frontline of defence against more serious issues like gum disease and oral cancer further down the line. If one quarter of the population is skipping vital check-ups, we aren’t just looking at a dental issue — we are looking at a much wider healthcare issue. Prevention is always more affordable than cure, but access to care must be equitable across the country.”
Preventive dentistry remains one of the most effective ways to maintain good oral health and reduce the need for more invasive treatments in the future. However, this is only possible if patients can access care easily and affordably.
Our Commitment to Affordable Dental Care
At Smart Dental Care, we remain committed to making dentistry more accessible, inclusive, and affordable for everyone.
That is why we introduced our Dental Essentials service — designed to provide patients with quality dental care at pricing comparable to the NHS. The service aims to support patients who may be struggling to access NHS dentistry while still ensuring they receive the routine care they need.
Dental Essentials Includes:
✔️ Dental check-ups from £30
✔️ Affordable routine dental treatments
✔️ Accessible appointments across our practices
✔️ Early intervention and preventive care
We believe everyone deserves access to quality dental care — not just when they are in pain, but before problems begin.
Looking Ahead
The challenges facing UK dentistry are complex, but improving access to preventive care must remain a priority. By increasing awareness, supporting affordable alternatives, and encouraging regular attendance, we can help reduce the long-term impact on both oral health and overall wellbeing.
At Smart Dental Care, we will continue working towards solutions that help make dental care more accessible for communities across the UK.
