"According to the Association of Dental Groups, there is a 3k shortfall in dentists across the UK, resulting in approximately 4.5mn patients going untreated annually. "
As a dentist, I always talk about the importance of prevention when maintaining good oral health. It’s something we encourage from an early age, helping children to develop strong oral hygiene habits – brushing twice daily, learning effective techniques, and regularly attending dentist appointments.
“Early foundations are essential for lifelong dental wellbeing.”
Unfortunately, dental services continue to face significant challenges that often limit its ability to prioritise early education and prevention. The rise of ‘dental poverty’ and ‘dental deserts’, especially in rural and deprived areas, is increasingly alarming.
According to the Association of Dental Groups, there is a 3k shortfall in dentists across the UK, resulting in approximately 4.5mn patients going untreated annually.
Denplan’s 2024 oral health survey found half of children don’t visit a dentist until after their 3rd birthday. If children don’t develop good hygiene habits, their oral health will inevitably suffer in the long-term.
Another critical juncture that is often overlooked is the transition from adolescence into young adulthood, typically around the mid-20s. This period marks a significant drop-off in regular dentist appointments as people fly the family nest and set out on their own as adults.
“Young adults are bearing the brunt of recent economic turbulence.”
University graduates are saddled with significant debt before they have even begun earning. Managing this debt and living costs leaves little room for preventative healthcare investments, even when the long-term benefits are clear.
Moreover, saving for the future is increasingly out of reach. Almost half of working adults aren’t currently contributing to their pension, instead prioritising immediate needs such as rent. This ‘here and now’ financial mentality means healthcare, particularly dental, isn’t often prioritised.
“Roughly 1.2mn 18-34-year-olds have never visited a dentist, and 10% only seek dental care when experiencing pain.”
Beyond financial barriers, access to dental services is also challenging. 16% of 18-34-year-olds who attempted to book an NHS dental appointment in 2023/24 were unable to secure one due to long waiting lists.
Denplan’s 2024 oral health survey found half of this age group haven’t invested in health insurance, but 18-24-year-olds were more likely to have dental plans than those aged 25-34 (42% vs 36%).
This suggests younger adults, especially those still living at home or in higher education, may benefit from family-supported plans, whereas older peers are less likely to have such support.
37% of those aged 18-24 don’t pay towards their dental treatment, compared with 29% of 25-34-year-olds. Furthermore, 25% of this younger cohort have seen the same dentist their entire lives. Amongst those aged 25-34, this percentage plummeted to 4%.
“Newfound independence often means losing financial and logistical support for dental care.”
The evidence is clear that for many, their oral health begins to decline in their mid-20s as they struggle to maintain regular dentist appointments and prioritise other financial responsibilities. This neglect increases the risk of preventable dental problems.
For dentists and healthcare professionals, this presents an opportunity – and a responsibility. We must find innovative, sustainable solutions to support both patients and practitioners in bridging that gap.
