NHS dentistry in Sussex is collapsing, but this isn’t just a local problem—it’s a symptom of a nationwide crisis. Across the country, millions are struggling to access even basic dental care, and Sussex is one of many prime examples of how the system is failing.
Sussex: A Warning Sign for the Rest of the Country
The situation in Sussex has reached a breaking point:
- Since 2020, eighteen NHS dental practices in West Sussex have handed back their contracts, affecting areas like Arun, Mid Sussex, Worthing, Chichester, Horsham, Crawley, and Adur.
- In the last two years, Sussex has lost 27 NHS dental contracts, leading to nearly 187,000 fewer NHS dental appointments being commissioned.
- Recent closures have left entire towns without a single NHS dentist taking new patients.
This is not an isolated issue. The same pattern is happening all across the UK, with practices closing their doors to NHS patients as dentists abandon a system that no longer works.
Why Are NHS Dentists Disappearing?
The reason is simple: the NHS dental contract is broken.
- Dentists are paid a fixed amount per patient, regardless of the complexity of their treatment. With a budget that simply cannot cover the cost of every treatment. This means seeing NHS patients is often a financial loss for dental practices.
- More dentists are leaving the NHS altogether, unable to keep up with the demand under a contract that doesn’t pay enough to cover costs.
- The government’s so-called 'reforms' have done nothing to stop the exodus, and without urgent change, more practices will continue to close.
DIY Dentistry: The Horrifying Reality
With no access to NHS treatment, many people in Sussex—and across the country—are taking matters into their own hands. Reports show:
- Patients pulling out their own teeth with pliers after months of untreated pain.
- People using superglue to repair broken teeth, risking dangerous infections.
- Some even drilling into their own teeth in an attempt to relieve agonising pressure.
This isn’t just shocking—it’s a national disgrace. No one in Britain should be forced to choose between unbearable pain or DIY surgery in their own bathroom.
Throwing Money at the Problem Won’t Fix It
The government has announced extra urgent dental appointments, but this is not a permanent solution—it’s a temporary fix that does nothing to solve the issue or prevent the crisis from worsening. What’s the point of treating an emergency if people can’t get regular check-ups to stop it from happening in the first place?
Without proper NHS dentistry, small problems turn into serious health issues—leading to even more pressure on overstretched A&E departments when dental infections spiral out of control.
Real Solutions Needed Now
The only way to prevent the total collapse of NHS dentistry is to implement real, long-term reforms:
- Overhaul the NHS dental contract so that dentists are paid fairly and can afford to keep working in the NHS.
- Increase funding—not just for emergency care, but for sustainable, long-term NHS dentistry.
- Expand the dental workforce, ensuring we train and retain enough professionals to meet demand.
Act Now—Before NHS Dentistry Disappears Completely
Sussex shows us where the UK is heading—unless serious action is taken, NHS dentistry will disappear entirely. Thousands will be left in pain, unable to afford private treatment, and forced to resort to dangerous DIY alternatives.
The government cannot ignore this crisis any longer. The time for action is now.