Londoners in greater need of dental care than other regions

This includes an estimated 630,000 adults who attempted and failed to secure an NHS dental appointment in the past two years. Further compounding the issue, around one million residents did not seek NHS dental care, believing they would be unable to obtain an appointment.

London’s oral health crisis

According to NHS data, many Londoners continue to struggle with long waiting times and limited availability of NHS dental appointments. As a result, health disparities are emerging with ethnic minorities and lower-income households suffering disproportionately from untreated dental issues.

Particularly alarming is the state of child oral health in London. Studies show that Asian five-year-olds in the city are 70 per cent more likely to suffer from tooth decay than the national average.

The lack of early intervention and access to preventative care has resulted in an increasing number of children requiring hospital-based extractions — an issue that highlights the urgent need for better accessibility and education.

Improving Access to Dental Care in London

To address these challenges, there is a growing need for solutions that improve access to dental care across the city.

“Dentistry in London is at a crossroads,” says Dr Deepa Chopra, principal dentist at Whites Dental.

“Increasing awareness and education about oral health, particularly among children, is essential, and this can be achieved through targeted outreach programs and free check-ups.

“The current crisis highlights the need for an alternative model - one that prioritises patient care, affordability, and accessibility. Private dentistry can no longer be seen as an exclusive luxury; it must be a viable, ethical solution for all Londoners.”

Whites Dental is a leading provider of dental treatments in London, with clinics in Marble Arch and Waterloo.