NHS Dentists Return £900M Unused

Dentists in England have returned over £900 million to the government in the past two years for unfulfilled NHS dental care. This represents approximately one in seven pounds paid to practices, as many prioritize private work. The BBC's analysis of NHS accounts reveals that in 2024-25, more than £450 million was returned, with nearly £480 million returned the year prior. Over 40% of dentists in each of those years had to hand back funds, a sharp increase from previous years.

This situation contributes to millions of people struggling to access NHS dental care, with over a fifth reporting difficulty in obtaining appointments when needed. For example, one patient has not seen an NHS dentist in 14 years and resorted to paying privately for her children due to seven-year waiting lists. The British Dental Association attributes this to the outdated 20-year-old contract, which makes NHS work less financially viable compared to private options.

The government stated that improvements are being made and that returned funds are reinvested into services. They have increased payments for NHS work and offered incentives for dentists in underserved areas. A fundamental reform of the dentistry contract is also planned by the end of the current parliamentary term to further boost access. Health and social care minister Stephen Kinnock acknowledged that more work is needed to address the root cause of the problem.