NHS dentistry crisis pushes patients toward private plans

The UK’s NHS dentistry system is in crisis, with a long-running contract dispute prompting many dentists to stop NHS-funded work. Officials say a shortage of NHS practitioners has left patients scrambling for care, with some travelling more than 100 miles to see a dentist and others calling NHS 111 in desperation. The result is that millions lack access to NHS dentistry, which is subsidized but not free. Health experts warn the crisis could endure for years, prompting renewed focus on private services.

Across Britain, the strain is evident. A major government-backed assessment found that the shortage of NHS dentists is forcing people to pull out their own teeth in some cases, while Healthwatch England reports patients are travelling long distances to find care. The problem has translated into broad public distress: around four in ten Britons have not seen a dentist in more than two years, largely due to concerns about the cost of private care. Other studies indicate four in ten Britons have rotten teeth and about two-thirds have decay in at least one tooth. Six in ten NHS patients say they would consider private dental care, though many are deterred by price. Meanwhile, monthly subscription plans have emerged as a potential way to access care for as little as £10 a month.

Price plans: Denplan and Bupa Smiles are among the best known. Denplan’s cheapest monthly scheme costs about £13 a month and covers one check-up with a dentist and one hygienist visit per year, including any required X-rays. The most expensive Denplan scheme costs around £30 a month and upgrades the number of check-ups and hygienist visits. Bupa Smiles offers similarly priced options. In England, Health Service patients pay £27.40 for a yearly check-up that includes scale and polish and X-rays, whereas private check-ups typically run £40–£75, a scale and polish £90–£130, and each X-ray £10–£20—potentially bringing the annual private bill to about £225. Denplan’s cheapest annual-equivalent cost is around £156, though some practices offer independent local plans that bypass these firms and can be cheaper.

Experts note that most monthly plans do not cover invasive procedures. If a patient needs a restorative treatment, the bill can be higher in private care. Typical private prices: a filling about £150, a root canal around £320, a crown upwards of £600 per tooth. Some plans provide discounts; for example, a plan at around £24.50 per month may offer 10% off standard procedures. Denplan’s Care scheme is an exception, with coverage for restorative work, but the monthly cost depends on current dental health. For patients who do have to pay out of pocket, dentists may try to upsell; Mirza advises asking for an X-ray and a photo of the damaged tooth to verify necessity before proceeding.

Insurance is not generally worth it for most people who maintain regular check-ups and hygiene visits. Insurance plans vary, typically £15–£50 a month, depending on past dental work. The upside is budgeting for costs; the downside is that coverage may be limited for routine care. For Denplan customers, a separate insurance option costs around £7.20 per year but only covers emergencies abroad or far from the registered practice; more comprehensive coverage exists through providers such as Bupa, AXA, Dencover and WPA, but premiums can be high and benefits limited. Clinicians say that preventive care remains the best defense against costly restorations, so many patients may find insurance less valuable than regular check-ups.

Overseas travel for dental work is not universally risk-free. Thousands of Britons go overseas for cosmetic procedures, but restorative work carries higher risk if problems arise. The General Dental Council reported that about 10% of British dental patients had overseas treatment in the previous year, with Turkey and Hungary among the top destinations due to price differences. Experts warn that if something goes wrong, post-procedure support can be difficult to obtain. They stress checking English proficiency and accreditation, and verifying international certificates such as a Turkish Ministry of Health dental tourism certificate. A second UK opinion is often advised before undertaking overseas work, especially for complex procedures.

An illustrative case shows the personal impact. Martin Stanford, a 77-year-old retiree from The Wirral, saw his NHS dentist leave NHS practice and switch to private care. He joined a monthly plan at Wallasey Village Dental Practice, paying about £32 a month for two check-ups, X-rays if needed, four hygienist visits and discounts on essential treatments, with the option to cover most emergencies. He says the arrangement keeps a closer watch on his dental health and is worth the cost.

With the NHS system under pressure and the private market expanding, many Britons are weighing the options and seeking affordable paths to keep their teeth healthy. Experts stress the importance of careful comparison of plans, understanding coverage limits, and avoiding unnecessary work. For some households, private subscription plans offer an accessible bridge to dental care, but patients are advised to read the small print, request documentation, and seek independent opinions when faced with proposed procedures.