Waiting in line for a check-up: evaluating access to NHS dental services in England

Aims Access to dental services in England has seen a gradual decline over recent years and this has become increasingly prevalent following the COVID-19 pandemic. This research provides a geographical assessment of access to National Health Service (NHS) dental services in local authorities across England, highlighting regions which require specific interventions to improve patient access.Methods A Public Dental Access Index is created to assess the levels of patient access, combining metrics representing both the supply and demand of NHS dental services. The transparent nature of the Index allows health analysts/researchers to replicate and update the results using the most recent data as well as providing the opportunity to further develop the Index and assess change over time.Results Local authorities which have the highest levels of access can be found outside of London in the South East and in regions between the Midlands and West Lancashire. Local authorities with the lowest levels of access are found in the South West, East of England and within London itself.Discussion The spatial outputs from this research identify specific local authorities in England with low levels of access which should aid policymakers and commissioners to deliver targeted schemes to provide greater levels of access to patients most in need.