GDC publishes new research on the public’s experiences of dentistry

We have today published the latest research on public views and experiences of dental care in the UK, highlighting significant barriers to accessing dental services, especially within the NHS.

Building on previous studies in 2020, 2021 and 2022, this comprehensive research examines a variety of issues including access to, demand for, use of and access to services, affordability, and public confidence in dentistry.

Many respondents reported notable difficulties in booking appointments, in securing a dental practice to visit regularly, and having frequent cancellations, particularly affecting younger individuals, ethnic minorities, and urban residents.

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. 

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. 

Despite the ongoing challenges in access to dental care, affordability, and public confidence in dentistry, the number of respondents saying they had visited a dental practice within the last 12 months maintained the same level as in 2022 (64%).

Stefan Czerniawski, Executive Director, Strategy, GDC, said:

“This latest research provides comprehensive insights into the current state of dental care in the UK. The findings highlight the ongoing challenges facing dentistry and the need to make progress in addressing these systemic issues to improve access to timely appointments and the affordability of dental care across the UK.

“It is particularly concerning that the research shows clear evidence of patients’ concerns that the recovery of dental services after the COVID pandemic has not only stalled but may have gone into reverse. This has worrying implications for the oral health of patients and the public and needs urgent attention.”

The trend of increased private and mixed dental care seen in the 2021 and 2022 surveys has been maintained but not increased further in this survey. Additionally, 42% of respondents receiving private or mixed NHS/private care started private treatment within the past three years, primarily due to difficulties accessing NHS care.

The GDC commissioned Community Research for this study as part of its continued work to understand the public’s experiences of and views about dental services, which includes the ongoing impact of Brexit, COVID-19, and the cost-of-living crisis on the UK’s dental sector. The latest research involved an online survey of 2,415 individuals across the UK, with survey fieldwork taking place in January and early February 2024. 

Read the full report.