The professional body notes there has been no meaningful progress on delivery of the Government’s manifesto pledge to reform the failed contract fuelling the crisis in NHS dentistry. It has applauded recent action to rollout targeted supervised toothbrushing in early years, and stressed is ready to collaborate to turn the page on 'Victorian' dentistry.
Yesterday student Nick Whelan, who nearly died from a dental infection, sent a video message to Ministers across the UK, urging them to take dentistry seriously.
"Dental care is health care."
— BDA (@TheBDA) March 20, 2025
Nick had a dental infection.
Unable to get an appointment, he ended up in intensive care.
Dentistry isn't a 'nice to have'.
We can't afford to go on like this.
A message for every patient, every politician & policymaker this #WorldOralHealthDay. pic.twitter.com/gLct4URNvH
BDA Chair Eddie Crouch said:
“Desperate people are reaching for pliers or cheap flights because for many NHS dentistry has effectively ceased to exist.
“This service can have a future, but only if government is willing to pick up pace and keep its promises.”
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