The economic recession could make access to NHS dentistry even harder for Britain’s dental patients, experts have warned.
Panellists at a debate held in Westminster earlier in the month agreed that the economic downturn could only make it harder for people to see a NHS dentist as fewer foreign dentists come to Britain seeking work.
In addition to the lack of overseas dentists, panellists said fewer private dentists are seeking to return to working for the NHS .
The debate, hosted by dental funding provider Denplan, heard that there has been a "disappointing" failure to move dental care toward a more preventative approach.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said that NHS dentistry remains "national illness dentistry" and is not focused enough on improving people's oral health .
Other speakers at the debate suggested that UK dentists face an uncertain future as they are struggling to cope with the new NHS contracts .
