What are patients doing due to the NHS dental crisis?

Some patients are traveling over 100 miles for care, paying for private treatment, or resorting to risky self-treatment like pulling their own teeth.

How have NHS 111 calls for dental issues changed?

NHS 111 call volumes for dental issues have increased by about 20% recently compared to the same period last year.

What are Healthwatch England's recommendations for the dental crisis?

Healthwatch England recommends a legal right to register with an NHS dentist and monthly progress reports on urgent appointment targets.

Home / Health / NHS Dental Crisis: Patients Turn to Risky Self-Treatment

NHS Dental Crisis: Patients Turn to Risky Self-Treatment

15 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Patients travel over 100 miles or go private for emergency dental care.
Some resort to risky self-treatment, including pulling their own teeth.
NHS 111 call volumes for dental issues have risen by 20% recently.

NHS Dental Crisis: Patients Turn to Risky Self-Treatment

Emergency dental care is increasingly inaccessible for NHS patients in England, compelling many to seek treatment privately or travel extreme distances. Research indicates individuals are facing waits for appointments and, in dire situations, resorting to risky self-care, such as attempting to extract their own teeth. This situation arises as people struggle to register with NHS dentists for routine care, leading to preventative issues being neglected.

Patients report significant challenges in obtaining urgent appointments, often spending hours on hold or being turned away. This has resulted in some traveling up to 110 miles, incurring substantial costs for private care, or even seeking treatment abroad. The consequences include worsening dental health, sleepless nights, and financial strain, with some borrowing funds or using savings.