We've looked at the numbers and had past governments actually increased state spending by the same rates they hiked charges, England would by now have the basis for genuinely universal access to NHS dental care.
Budgets have been static since the Coalition Government came to power. Come April, patient charges will be almost two thirds higher than they were back in 2010. Had Government contributions increased at the same margin the total budget would now be close to £4.5bn, a level that could address the recruitment and retention crises in NHS dentistry and provide a basis for eliminating unmet need for care.
The Treasury have presided over a long-term strategy of stealth cuts, by using hikes in charges to conceal reductions in state spending. This is why a Band 3 treatment like dentures or a crown will cost £326.70 from April, or over £128.70 more than they did in 2010.
GP colleagues are getting needed support, but there has been no progress to insulate NHS dental practices from increases in the National Minimum Wage and National Insurance or to meaningfully expand access to care. The Government’s pledge of 700,000 urgent appointments is being paid for by recycling underspends in the existing budget, which are fuelled by ongoing recruitment and retention challenges. A generation of austerity means a typical practice now loses over £40 delivering a set of NHS dentures.
Labour has pledged reform of the failed contract fuelling this crisis. Meaningful reform must go hand in hand with sustainable investment.
“Had past Governments increased funding at the same rate they ramped up charges, there would be an extra £1.5bn in the pot, and a basis for universal access," says General Dental Practice Committee Chair Shiv Pabary.
“Chancellors may claim ‘we are all in this together’, but this is the reality for NHS dentistry.
“If this service is going to have a future, Rachel Reeves needs to put down George Osborne’s playbook.”
Our calling on the Chancellor and Health Secretary to drop the hike and put in place sustainable funding for NHS dentistry has already hit 40,000 signatures. Please sign and share.
