Survey shows struggle to get dentist appointments

Incidents of DIY dentistry, including people using superglue to stick homemade teeth to their gums, are increasing across Britain as more than nine in 10 NHS dental practices are unable to offer appointments to new adult patients, the director of a health watchdog has warned.

A survey by the British Dental Association and the BBC found 91% of NHS practices across England were not accepting new adults. In Northern Ireland, the figure was 90%, while it was 82% in Scotland and 93% in Wales.

Louise Ansari, national director of Healthwatch England, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme the survey showed the state of dentistry in the UK was “dire”, and she had heard of people pulling out their own teeth.

“So many people can’t get an NHS dentist appointment, they’re in pain, they’re anxious, some people can’t eat or speak properly,” Ansari said.