According to a new survey of 2,234 UK adults, almost a quarter of people have been unable to access care from an NHS dentist in the last year, resulting in many turning to “DIY dentistry” the Independent reports.
The poll suggests that just over a third (36%) said they got an appointment with a dentist and 40% reportedly said they had not tried.
Based on research conducted on behalf of the Liberal Democrats, it was found that despite trying, 23% of people have been unable to get an appointment to access NHS dental care in the last year.
Among the 533 people who could not get a dental appointment, 21% reportedly said they had conducted “DIY dentistry.”
Additionally, about 27% of this group have claimed that they paid for private care due to a lack of NHS access.
Commenting on the poll, British Dental Association chairman Eddie Crouch reportedly said, “DIY dentistry has no place in a wealthy, 21st century nation but today millions have no options, and some are taking matters into their own hands.
“These access problems are not inevitable. This horror show is the direct result of choices made in Westminster.
“We’ve heard promises of change, but any progress requires action on a decade of underfunding and failed contracts.”
For some patients DIY dentistry could include using a filling kit from a pharmacy, however, in some extreme cases, people have even claimed to have pulled out their own teeth.
Health spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, Daisy Cooper reportedly said, “It is now or never to save our NHS from a winter of crisis that will put patients at risk.
“This heart-breaking rise in DIY dentistry is further evidence that this Government simply doesn’t care about our vital local health services.
“It is a national scandal that people are forced to pull their own teeth out because our public health services have been starved of funding.”
In response to this, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson has reportedly said, “The number of dentists practicing in the NHS increased by over 500 last year, and we are continuing work to improve access to dental care for all NHS patients – backed by more than £3 billion annually.”
The spokesperson also informs, “The Health and Social Care Secretary has set out her four priorities of A, B, C, D – ambulances, backlogs, care, doctors and dentists.
Clifford had previously pleaded guilty to the murders of BBC sports commentator John Hunt’s wife and two daughters at their home in northwest of London, in July 2024. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Crossbow murderer found guilty of raping ex-girlfriend
A 26-YEAR-OLD man who murdered three women in a crossbow and stabbing attack has been found guilty of raping one of them, his ex-girlfriend, a British court ruled on Thursday.
Kyle Clifford had previously pleaded guilty to the murders of BBC sports commentator John Hunt’s wife and two daughters at their home in Bushey, northwest of London, in July 2024.
The attack led to a manhunt before Clifford was found injured hours later in a north London cemetery.
A jury at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday convicted Clifford of raping 25-year-old Louise Hunt before killing her.
His sentencing for all the crimes is scheduled for Tuesday.
Clifford had admitted to murdering Carol Hunt, 61, and her daughters Louise and Hannah, 28. He had also pleaded guilty to charges of false imprisonment and possessing offensive weapons but denied raping Louise.
During the trial, the court heard that after killing Carol Hunt, Clifford waited for an hour before attacking Louise, tying her up, raping her, and then killing her with a crossbow. He later killed Hannah when she returned home from work.
The prosecution described Clifford, a former soldier, as committing a "violent, sexual act of spite" and said he was "enraged" after Louise ended their 18-month relationship. They told the court that he had "carefully planned" the attack.
Less than 24 hours before the killings, Clifford had searched for a podcast by social media influencer Andrew Tate, according to the prosecution. They argued that the murders were driven by the "violent misogyny promoted" by Tate.
Justice Joel Bennathan called Clifford’s crimes "dreadful" and "almost unspeakable".
(With inputs from AFP)