Major dentists replace as hundreds of sufferers to get entry to new appointments
Ministers criticised the “absurd situation” where people with rotting teeth or infections are unable to access the vital care they need as they announced a change in access
Some 900,000 urgent appointments have not been taken up by patients because of strict rules around the scope of treatment(Image: Tunvarat Pruksachat via Getty Images)
Thousands of patients will have better access to dentist appointments after a change in the definition of “urgent” care.
Some 900,000 urgent appointments have not been taken up by patients because of strict rules around the scope of treatment.
Ministers last night criticised the “absurd situation” where people with rotting teeth or infections are unable to access the vital care they need. Under changes to come into force today, the definition of “urgent” appointments will be broadened so all dental care is included.
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Health Minister Stephen Kinnock told The Mirror: “Nobody should be pushed to such a state of desperation that they’re forced to pull their own teeth out, but there are far too many cases of this happening and it’s totally unacceptable.
“The idea that a patient in this terrible position may not qualify for an ‘urgent’ appointment is clearly nonsensical, so we’re acting to rectify this absurd situation.”
The Mirror has long campaigned for everyone to have access to an NHS dentist. Most dental practices in England are not taking on new NHS patients and millions of people can’t get a dentist.
Some have been left to DIY dentistry methods at home, including ripping their own teeth out.
Since April, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) have commissioned nearly one million urgent appointments, yet just 100,000 have been taken up.
This is due to a narrow, clinical definition of “urgent”, which only includes people in severe dental pain, dental trauma or fractured, loose or displaced fillings.
From April, high street dentists will be required to offer a minimum number of urgent or unscheduled appointments, which could include patients who are new to the practice, further boosting access to NHS dentistry.
Data published on Thursday shows the NHS delivered an extra 1.8million courses of dental treatment over the first seven months of 2025/26 compared to the period in the year up to the general election.
The British Dental Association (BDA) said the data showed progress but warned activity remains millions of treatments below pre-pandemic levels. It called for additional investment to boost access and long-term reform of dental contracts.
Shiv Pabary, chair of the BDA’s general dental practice committee, said: “After years of savage cuts, ending this crisis will hinge on promised reform being backed by sustainable funding.
“The Government must build on this progress with urgency and ambition.”
Chief Dental Officer for England Jason Wong said: “Widening access to urgent appointments means more patients will be seen quickly and get the care they need before problems escalate.
“By working closely with government and the dental sector to bring in these changes, we are making prevention a priority and helping people maintain good oral health.”
