Views and experiences of dentistry 2024

We commissioned Community Research to undertake another round of research into the UK public’s experiences of and views about dental services. The research included assessing the ongoing impact of external shocks such as Brexit, COVID-19, and the cost-of-living crisis on the UK’s dental sector, which have led to considerable uncertainty among dental professionals and the public.

Building on studies from 2020, 2021, and 2022, this 2024 research involved a nationally representative online survey of 2,415 individuals across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, along with qualitative research phases.

The survey fieldwork ran through January and early February 2024.

Here are some of the key findings from the research. The full report can be downloaded from the link below.

Access to dental services:

• The UK public continue to face difficulties in accessing dental care, particularly within the NHS. This, along with rising costs, is impacting people’s choices and confidence, with many prioritising treatment over preventative care and saying in future they would only seek treatment in an emergency.
• Many respondents report experiencing difficulties in booking appointments, in securing a dental practice to visit regularly, and having frequent cancellations. Younger individuals, ethnic minorities, and urban residents face greater challenges in accessing dental care. 
  
  
• Findings in 2021 and 2022 indicated a post-lockdown increase in private dental care. The 2024 survey shows this has been maintained but not increased further. Additionally, 42% of those receiving private or mixed NHS/private care started private treatment in the past three years, primarily due to difficulties accessing NHS care rather than preference.
  
  

Affordability:

• Affordability continues to be a major concern, with nearly one-quarter of respondents expressing dissatisfaction with the cost of dental treatment. The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has exacerbated this issue, with many prioritising urgent treatment over preventive care to save money. Additionally, a small percentage (6%) of respondents sought dental care outside the UK, primarily for cost-saving reasons. 
  

Confidence:

• The 2024 survey, like the one in 2022, reveals that respondents have significantly more confidence in the quality of dental care in the UK (62%) than in their ability to access it (32%). However, confidence in both aspects has declined since the last survey, from 67% and 38% respectively. Additionally, while just over half (52%) of respondents stated no change in their confidence in how dental care is provided, 24% reported being less confident, with most blaming access issues for this decline and many others citing the rising costs.