Should dental services remain separate from GP practices?
NHS dental services operate separately from GP practices with distinct contracts, funding and premises. Access to NHS dentistry remains challenging with only about 40% of adults seeing a dentist in the recommended timeframe and many practices reducing NHS work. Recent 2026 contract reforms aim to improve urgent care access and prevention but maintain separation while some integrated care boards explore closer collaboration on records and sites.
2 Opinions
Treating teeth like optional luxury bones that don't get the same free NHS trestment is the ultimate racket. Bad teeth cause severe infections and heart issues.... they're healthcare plain and simple
I never could understand why NHS allow for special status for dentistry. Healthy teeth are as important for our wellbeing as any other part of body. Many other health issues could be link to problems with oral health.