"How it is for me " - your experiences of dentistry
Many people in North Yorkshire are struggling to access the dental care they need because it’s difficult to find and often too expensive. This has been one of the biggest concerns raised with us over recent years.
The problem is especially severe for those not already registered with an NHS dentist, as finding practices that are accepting new patients has become increasingly difficult.
Why the problem is growing
The COVID-19 pandemic created a backlog of patients needing treatment, worsened by staff shortages and a shift towards private care. These issues have made accessing NHS dental services even harder, particularly for rural, deprived, and vulnerable communities locally.
The county’s sparse population—just 76 people per square mile compared to the English average of 430—means services are spread thin. Only eight towns have populations over 10,000, and rural isolation adds to the challenge. At the same time, the county’s ageing population is growing, with people aged 65 and over expected to increase by about a third by 2040 (Source: Office for National Statistics).
The impact on people
The lack of accessible dental care has left many in pain, with some resorting to dangerous “DIY dentistry.”
I'm unable to find a dentist. I resorted to pulling my own teeth out. I have already pulled three of them out - and about to pull the fourth.
Your experiences of NHS dentistry
Moira's story
Moira lives in Snape, near Bedale. She is a disabled woman in her 60s, dealing with mobility issues and a liver condition. She has struggled to access dental care for six years after losing her dentist during COVID-19, leaving her with untreated dental decay likely worsened by past steroid treatment.
My teeth are in a dreadful state, l haven’t seen a dentist for six years. At the moment l am not in pain, however, l have broken teeth, and two front teeth that are going rotten. I strongly suspect that these issues are due to my now completed steroid treatment, as my gums were very swollen and painful whilst taking the drugs.
I was registered with a dentist in Caterick, however during COVID-19 they disappeared. Due to my age and health conditions, l didn’t try to get a replacement as l was self isolating, however, l now need to locate a dentist who is prepared to take me on.
Dean's story
Dean lives in Catterick Garrison, near Richmond. He is struggling with severe dental issues, having resorted to pulling out his own teeth due to the high cost and long wait times for dental care, which has left him feeling isolated and unable to leave his house
I have pulled out four of my own teeth and number five is getting to stage it’s going to come out. I don't want to leave the house.
My NHS dentist recently turned private. I pay a monthly membership, they was told ld have to pay for a filling repair which would cost £100 more than their monthly mortgage payment."
I've been told it's a five-year wait to see an NHS dentist.
Denise's story
Denise lives in Scarborough. Her experience highlights the severe impact of inaccessible NHS dentistry, as she endured eight years of untreated dental issues, repeated infections, and a mental health crisis due to an inability to secure treatment or referrals, leading to long-term oral health damage.
The lack of accessible NHS dentistry in Scarborough is a failure especially in an area that experiences high levels of those living in poverty or on the breadline who cannot afford private dentistry.
I moved to Scarborough in 2016. I applied to lots of dentists with no luck. I then got 3-4 impacted wisdom teeth which caused repeated and severe infections that went untreated and damaged my health significantly. It also took me out of work and led me to a mental health crisis due to the prolonged periods of pain and hopelessness that I could not access treatment.
Local dentists could not treat the issue as it needed referring to the maxillofacial department at Scarborough Hospital. However, as I could not register as an NHS patient anywhere no one would provide me with a referral. I even contacted NHS England.
Eventually, after two years, I travelled 300 miles back to my childhood dentist who wrote me a referral to Scarborough Hospital to remove all three teeth.
During the surgery they were only able to remove one that day. They said they would rebook me for the remaining two. That never happened. It was never followed up. I never received my 2nd appointment and they couldn’t do anything more.
I then fought for another five years contacting dentists across North Yorkshire to be seen as an NHS patient just to complete a new referral. I contacted my GP (General Practitioner) who could not do the referral although did prescribe me antibiotics on one occasion of infection due to the danger of sepsis.
I finally got an NHS dentist after 8 years of living here and had my surgery. However, the repeated infections have caused irreparable damage to my mouth, jaw and teeth which would require private treatment.
Helen's story
Helen lives in Harrogate, but visits an NHS dentist in Knaresborough. Her experience highlights her frustration with delays and inadequate care from her NHS dentist, which led to a worsening tooth issue requiring extraction, compounded by long waiting times and limited appointment options.
Carers or friends take me to my dental appointments due to high taxi cost. It costs £30 return each time.
I have had had several check ups and no fillings required. The dentist is unhappy and pushing hygienist visits all the time. I have explained about needing morning appointments.
Duringa recent check up, I had a chip on back tooth. The dentist said it was minor and would sort after hygienist visit. By that time, the the tooth had a hole, gum swollen and started with abcess. I feel it would not have happened if my dentist has sorted this earlier.
I saw another dentist at the same practice. They told me that the tooth needs to be removed. My dentist rung me to tell me I am being referred to a dental hospital. It is a one-year wait! My tooth won't wait that long it's now crumbling as I eat.
I've asked, but receptionist at my dental practice won't give me an appointment with another dentist . My usual dentist is booked for another three months. And there are no other NHS dentists around.I feel very cross as this was not my fault!
