Residents of Merseyside are facing an unprecedented crisis in accessing NHS dentistry. The number of dentists offering NHS dentistry across Merseyside has fallen by 52 dentists and the remaining NHS dentists are offering 12% less NHS activity than 18 months ago.
A number of former NHS dental practices have had their NHS contracts terminated or have decided to hand back their NHS contracts, mainly on account of poor pay.
Across the country, over 96% of NHS practices are unable to take on new adult patients, according to recent data from the British Dental Association (BDA) with reports of some patients waiting years to be seen and others forced to attempt dangerous DIY dental procedures at home.
This is not just a national issue. In Liverpool and the Wirral, the crisis has become even more personal following the termination of NHS contracts held by Smart Dental Care, despite thousands of patients signing petitions in protest. The closure of NHS services affected 8,000 local patients, with many patients being asked to travel more than 7 miles out of their local area, placing further pressure on neighbouring practices and increasing health inequalities in the region.
“We had been caring for some of these families for years,” said Suken Shah, Managing Director of Smart Dental Care. “We knew we had to act.”
In response, Smart Dental Care has launched its new model of affordable, fixed price dentistry called 'Essentials Dentistry' that mirrors NHS pricing, with immediate appointments available at convenient work-friendly times at all of its practices in the Merseyside area.
“Our goal is simple; to make sure patients aren’t left behind,” Mr Shah added. “We’ve opened our doors 6 days a week, from 8am to 7pm on weekdays, plus Saturdays, at no extra cost. We’re determined to help the thousands of patients impacted by the lack of access to NHS dentistry.”
Patients can now access routine dental check-ups for £25 (cheaper than the NHS fee of £27.40) and tooth fillings or extractions for £50, with no hidden fees or confusing pricing. Appointments are available immediately and can be booked online 24/7. All Smart practices in Merseyside offer Essentials dentistry including Chester, Sefton, Croxteth, Speke, Edge Hill, Picton and Wallasey.
One local patient, a university student, shared their experience after turning to Smart Dental Care:
“As a student in the UK, dental treatments can be quite expensive. Especially on a limited budget. But I was really relieved to find Smart Dental Care and their Essential Dentistry, which honestly feels like a much better option than NHS services.
Suken Shah, Managing Director of Smart Dental Care. “We don’t want patients to suffer in pain waiting for an NHS dentist and do DIY dentistry on themselves.”
Patients can find out more information and access Essential dental appointments 24/7 by booking via the Smart Dental Care website: www.smartdentalcare.co.uk
Notes:
- According to the BDA, over 12 million people in the UK are currently unable to access NHS dental care. https://www.bda.org/media-centre/13-million-unable-to-access-nhs-dentistry/
- Over 96% of NHS practices are unable to take on new adult patients: https://www.bda.org/media-centre/up-to-96-of-practices-unable-to-offer-care-to-new-nhs-patients/
- The NHS is currently facing a shortfall of more than 3,000 full-time dentists, contributing to the growing backlog. https://dentistry.co.uk/2025/01/21/mind-the-workforce-gap-adg-warns-of-3000-dentist-shortfall/
- Smart Dental Care operates multiple practices in the Liverpool and Wirral area, including locations formerly offering NHS services. https://www.smartdentalcare.co.uk/
- All statistics backed up with impartial data from the NHS https://www.nhs.uk/
- Essential Dentistry: https://dentistry.co.uk/2025/01/21/mind-the-workforce-gap-adg-warns-of-3000-dentist-shortfall/
- Hundreds queued for hours just to see a dentist – proof that finding affordable dental care is harder than ever: https://www.tiktok.com/@itvnews/video/7547677134052035863
- Liverpool Echo, a man who extracted his own teeth after not being able to get an NHS dentist: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNdKL7LcF/
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