How easy is it to find an NHS dentist? It depends where you live

• NHS dentistry in England is contracting significantly, with nearly 600 practices withdrawing over the past decade, creating regional access disparities for patients seeking NHS care.
• A two-tier dental system is emerging, likely widening the gap between patients who can afford private dentistry and those dependent on NHS provision.
• Geographic location is becoming a critical determinant of NHS dental access, suggesting GPs may need to signpost patients to available services and consider the dental health implications for their local populations.

Nearly 600 practices in England have withdrawn from NHS dentistry over the last 10 years, as the service heads towards a two-tier system.

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