Persistent unequal access to NHS dental care is deepening health inequalities in England, with rural and deprived communities particularly struggling to access treatment.
LGA analysis, based on NHS data, shows an uneven distribution of NHS dental practices, with no local authority area in England having more than one practice per 1,000 people providing NHS treatment, and rural and poorer areas likely to have fewer still.
For example, in Middlesbrough, there are just 10 NHS dental practices per 100,000 people despite having one of the highest levels of deprivation, compared with Richmond upon Thames, with 28 per 100,000 people and one of the lowest deprivation levels.
Analysis also found that, despite an obvious need, areas with higher rates of child dental decay don’t have more NHS dental practices than areas with lower rates.
The LGA is urging the Government to introduce targeted policy responses to improve provision in the most under-served areas.
Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor, Chair of the LGA’s Health and Wellbeing Committee, said: “We know that poor dental health can significantly impact overall health outcomes, including increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
“It is encouraging that the Government is taking steps to improve dental access, such as expanding provision and investing in community dental services, but it is also vital that the current dental contract is reviewed to make NHS dentistry more viable.
“There is still more to do to ensure equitable care for all communities.”