The research from Broadstone, a leading independent consultancy, shows that 5.9% of the English working population – those aged 16-64 – who have an NHS dentist or go to a dental hospital, had their last dental appointment more than two years ago.
 
When extrapolated against the latest ONS population estimates, that’s equivalent to approximately 1.2 million people, despite the wider health risks associated with poor oral health and the importance of regular check-ups among this working cohort.
 
The survey also revealed that 12.0% of all English residents - or 5.7 million people - claim that they do not have a dentist, among which approximately 4.9 million people are of working age – 16-64 years old.
 
Emily Jones, Client Consulting Director at Broadstone, said: “These findings shine a light on a growing and concerning issue around access to dentistry in England. Oral health is a critical foundation of overall wellbeing, and untreated dental issues can lead to more severe health risks, from infections and sleep disruption to cardiovascular problems.
 
Please see the attached release for further analysis and details, and get in touch with any questions.
 
 

 
Highest proportion of individuals who do not have a dentist by region:

• South West (16.9%)
• North East & Yorkshire (13.7%)
• East of England (11.6%)
• North West (11.4%)
• Midlands (11.4%)
• South East (10.8%)
• London (10.1%)