It is estimated that England has a shortfall of about 10,000 dentists. This is due to a mix of factors, including the increased need for dental care, a lack of university places for people to study dentistry and a trend among dentists to retire early. Now, thousands of people are struggling with tooth decay or gum disease because they do not have access to the dental care they need.
In this article, we will explore why there is such a shortage of dentist’s in England and the consequences of not filling these gaps quickly enough.
England’s Dental Health System
England’s dental health system is one of the worst in Europe. The shortage of dentists, coupled with a lack of interest in studying dentistry means that people are not receiving the treatment they need. England has one dentist per 3,000 citizens, whereas Scandinavian countries have one per 600 citizens.
The lack of services also means that people are struggling to find the care they need at an affordable price. Dental costs for NHS (National Health Service) patients are capped at £700, but private treatment can cost as much as £3,500.
The Problems with the English Dental Health System
There are a number of factors that have led to this shortage. Increased demand for dental services is the first factor. The use of teeth as a measure of health has increased, and so has the cost of living. This has led to a growing need for dental care. Universities have also been unable to meet the demand for new dentists because they are not allowed to increase their intake year-on-year. This is due to there being no more space in dental schools or training courses, or because they are already at or above capacity.
And finally, there is the issue with dentists retiring early. There is evidence that many dentists are leaving before they reach retirement age because they can no longer afford to work due to low pay rates and rising costs of living (for example property prices). This trend has made it hard for students who want go into dentistry as a profession because there is now less opportunity within the system.
What You Can Do To Help
There are a number of things you can do to help. The first is supporting England’s dental health system financially. You can also donate your time by going into a dental practice and volunteering for a day, or support a dentist in a developing country.
If you’re looking for a way to give back and help England, donating your time at a dental clinic would be an excellent help. The English Dental Association is always looking for volunteer dentists who want to donate their time. Another option is to donate money to the English Dental Association so they can campaign for more spaces in dental schools and invest in research programs to find new ways to improve oral health care.
If you have any questions about the article or England’s dental health system, please feel free to contact us!
Conclusion
As dental care is an important factor in the health of the body, it is important to keep your teeth clean and healthy. This can be done by practicing good dental hygiene, including brushing and flossing, getting regular dental checkups, and avoiding sugar. England’s dental health system is not perfect. You can help by practicing good dental care habits and visiting your dentist for regular checkups.
