The number of people who’ve seen an NHS dentist in Oldham has plummeted to just 46% in recent years, shocking new figures uncovered by the Liberal Democrats have revealed.

Less than four in every ten adults in Oldham, were able to secure an appointment with an NHS dentist in the past two years.  This is down from more than six in ten who saw an NHS dentist in the two years up to 2018.

Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “Far too many people across Oldham borough are finding it impossible to see an NHS dentist and get the affordable dental healthcare they need.”

“NHS dentist appointments are becoming harder and harder to secure in Oldham with every passing year.  Some practices are shutting their doors to NHS patients all together and yet the government says nothing” he added.  “As the cost-of-living crisis continues to hit households hard, private dentistry is not going to be an option for the many people living in pain.” 

The stark figures were compiled by the House of Commons Library following a request by the Liberal Democrats.  It comes as distressing polling has found that one in five (21%) of adults unable to see a dentist have carried out DIY dentistry in a desperate attempt to relieve their pain.

“The government has allowed a crisis in NHS dentistry to drive one in five patients in pain to take matters into their own hands” stated councillor Sykes.  “This is a complete disgrace and time is running out for the new prime minister and her government to get a handle on this as we head into what will be a hard winter for so many of us.”

Full data from the House of Commons Library on the number of adults and children seeing an NHS dentist by area is available here.

Original source: NHS Dental Statistics (Annual reports 2017-18 – 2021-22).