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UK Dental Crisis: Millions Unseen Since 18
28 Feb
Summary
- 1 in 10 in Newcastle haven't seen a dentist as an adult.
- Six percent of UK adults, 3.6 million people, never visited.
- Cost and fear are key reasons people avoid dental care.
A new study highlights the UK's critical shortage of dentists, revealing that a significant portion of the population has not had a dental check-up since reaching adulthood. In Newcastle, the situation is particularly dire, with one in 10 residents reporting no adult dental visits. Nationally, this figure stands at six percent, equating to 3.6 million adults across the UK who have never seen a dentist.
Analysis indicates that middle-aged adults, specifically those aged 45-54, are the most likely to have forgone dental care, with 9% in this group never having visited a dentist as an adult. Conversely, younger adults aged 18-24 show a better trend, with only 4% reporting no adult dental visits.
Financial constraints and fear of dental procedures are identified as the main barriers to accessing care. Approximately one in four individuals cited cost as a deterrent, while one in five admitted to dentophobia. Additionally, 8% of people hoped dental problems would resolve on their own, and 20% sought advice on social media.
Economic Impact analysis shows that tooth decay leads to 32 million lost working hours annually, costing the UK economy £605 million each year. Regional data further illustrates disparities, with the North East of England having the highest percentage of adults who have never seen a dentist, followed by the South West and Wales.
