Access to NHS dentistry has declined since Government reforms to dentistry were introduced in April 2006, according to official figures.
Data published in a report by the NHS Information Centre reveals that over a million fewer adults and more than 200,000 fewer children have been able to access an NHS dentist in England.
In the 24 months up to 30 June 2008, 19,348,000 adult patients were seen by an NHS dentist, compared to 20,348,000 in the 24 months up to 31 March 2006.
During the same two-year period, the number of children able to access NHS dental care fell from 7,797,000 to 7,587,000, according to the report.
The latest figures are a cause of concern given the government’s previous estimates, made prior to the implementation of the reforms, that approximately two million people who were in need of NHS dental care were unable to access it.
BDA chief executive Peter Ward said the findings provided yet more "evidence" of the problems created by dental reforms.
He explained: "More than 1.2 million fewer people in England are able to access an NHS dentist now than was the case before the reforms were implemented. That means that, according to the government's own figures, there are more than three million people in England alone who want access to NHS dentistry but can't get it."
"Patients who are able to access care are confronted with a system driven by targets that discourages modern, preventive care . That is difficult for dentists, who want to focus on providing the best possible care for their patients."
He added: "Problems with the NHS dental reforms are well documented and have been acknowledged by the Department of Health . For the good of patients and dentists alike, it's time for them to enter into the long-overdue dialogue necessary to resolve these problems."
