Halifax MP blasts 'overlooked' dental sector which could be weeks from collapse

This comes after large parts of the region’s dental service are at risk of imminent collapse without urgent steps from government to support small business says the British Dental Association (BDA).

A poll from the BDA revealed over two thirds of practices across Yorkshire and Humber reported they can only maintain financial viability for a maximum of 3 months, with those providing predominantly private care are worst affected.

On Twitter, Halifax MP, Ms Lynch said: "I’ve written to the Government with concerns that the dental sector has been overlooked.

"Workers and practices falling through the gaps of financial support when these essential services had already been stretched across our region."

With all routine care now suspended in response to the COVID-19 crisis 68% of the region’s practices report they can only remain financially sustainable for 3 months or less, while 15% estimate they can only survive the month.

Less than a third (28%) estimate they will be placed to restore pre-pandemic levels of patient access, with 24% of practices have already attempted to secure a government backed interruption loan, but 98% of applicants were unable to secure credit.

A further 62% of those who failed have already had to seek commercial loans to stay afloat, at reported rates of interest of over 20%.

BDA Chair and Castleford Dentist Mick Armstrong said: “Practices across Yorkshire are now weeks from a cliff edge, saddling themselves with debt they may never be able to repay.

“It was right to suspend all non-urgent care, but without meaningful support the region’s dental services face decimation, and no practice can be excluded.

“Dentistry cannot weather this storm when nearly every surgery relies on private care to stay afloat. If officials let these vital services go to wall the impact will be felt by patients in every community in the region.”

The vast majority of UK practices are mixed, delivering both NHS and private care in varying proportions.

Practices performing a greater share of private work appear most exposed, with 74% of those with low or no NHS commitment (0-25% NHS) stating they will face imminent difficulties in the next three months, falling to 51% among those with the highest NHS commitments (75% or more of NHS activity).

While the NHS side of practices have been offered some support by government, the BDA has warned that if those practices with a greater reliance on private work go under whatever service remains will be unable to meet patient demand.

The private side of dentistry effectively cross subsidises a diminishing NHS budget, with total spend on private care exceeding the UK-wide NHS dental budget every year since 2012.

Unmet need for NHS dental services was estimated last year at around 4 million adults in England.

NHS practices currently receive some help with their business rates. Dentist leaders are pressing for the full rates relief offered to the retail and hospitality sectors to be extended to all high street practices, and for pledges to simplify and expand the government loan scheme to be expedited.

All self-employed dentists, particularly those working in private practice, need access to the support outlined by the Chancellor.

Those earning anything above £50,000 are currently entirely excluded.

The BDA has pressed on the Treasury to ensure equitable treatment for all self-employed workers.