NHS Dental Crisis Fuels Surge in Crowdfunding Appeals for Care

The ongoing crisis in NHS dentistry across England has resulted in a notable increase in crowdfunding appeals, as many individuals seek financial assistance for essential dental care. According to a recent investigation by the *Mirror*, the number of fundraising campaigns on the popular platform GoFundMe has more than doubled in recent years, reflecting a desperate situation for those unable to access NHS dental services.

The British Dental Association (BDA) highlighted the severity of the issue, describing the need for individuals to resort to charity as a “Victorian” regression. With millions unable to receive NHS dental care, the funding cuts from the past decade have led to a situation where NHS dentistry is only able to cater to approximately half of the population. As a result, most dentists are no longer accepting new adult NHS patients.

Crowdfunding has emerged as a lifeline for those in pain and unable to afford private treatment. For example, Paul Gwynne, a 40-year-old chef from Blackpool, launched a GoFundMe appeal after struggling with the loss of most of his teeth. He stated, “I can’t find an NHS dentist, I do work but don’t have thousands to spare to get new teeth. This seems to be my final hope.”

The data reveals a stark trend: the number of dental crowdfunding campaigns increased from 627 in 2019 to 1,297 in 2024. Additionally, figures from the first half of 2025 indicate that 852 new campaigns were initiated, illustrating a 31% rise compared to the previous year.

In another case, Lisa Cavanagh Smith from Sandbach described her son Mikey’s plight. After enduring severe pain, he resorted to pulling out one of his own teeth. Following an emergency dental appointment, he was informed that all of his teeth would need to be extracted, but private consultation was the only recommended path. “He’s so embarrassed as he is only 29 and he can’t smile,” Lisa shared, shedding light on the emotional toll of the situation.

The *Mirror* has initiated the Dentists for All campaign, which has prompted the Labour Party to pledge reforms to the NHS dental contract. The current framework is criticized for being flawed, as it fails to appropriately compensate dentists for treating patients who require extensive care. The funding structure pays the same amount for a patient needing three fillings as it does for one requiring twenty, discouraging dentists from accepting complex cases.

Alex Boot, an event manager, shared his story about his wife, Bluebelle, who has struggled with debilitating dental issues that have hindered her ability to sing. The total cost for her necessary treatments is estimated at £12,000. “We’ve explored every possible route through the NHS and community dentistry,” Alex explained, “but the severity of the work she needs is not accessible without going private.”

A spokesperson for GoFundMe noted that the increase in dental-related crowdfunding reflects a broader issue, stating, “More and more people are turning to GoFundMe not just in emergencies, but for everyday dental care they can’t otherwise access.”

The *Mirror* is advocating for substantial changes alongside the BDA, urging the UK government to reverse the decade-long funding cuts that have severely impacted NHS dentistry. Despite the budget for NHS dental care remaining at around £3 billion since 2010, this figure has not adjusted for inflation or population growth, leading to a real-terms budget cut of over a third, according to the BDA.

Eddie Crouch, chair of the BDA, emphasized that the government could alleviate the crisis with decisive action. “As with DIY dentistry and queues round the block, ministers could end this all tomorrow if they chose to,” he stated.

Labour is currently consulting on potential reforms to the dental contract, emphasizing that adequate funding is essential for any meaningful change. The current system effectively limits the number of NHS patients a dentist can treat, creating a backlog of individuals needing care.

Furthermore, government expenditure on NHS dentistry per capita in England is significantly lower than in other UK nations. In the 2022/23 fiscal year, spending was £38 per person in England, compared to £57 in Wales, £59 in Northern Ireland, and £73 in Scotland.

The UK also has the lowest ratio of dentists per capita among G7 nations, with dentistry’s share of the NHS budget shrinking from 3.3% in 2010 to 1.5% today.

In response to the crisis, a spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the challenges faced by NHS dentistry. “Years of neglect left NHS dentistry in an appalling state, but we are stopping the decay through our Plan for Change,” she stated. This includes efforts to increase urgent dental appointments and reforms to the dental contract aimed at improving patient access.

The Dentists for All campaign is advocating for three key changes: ensuring access to NHS dentists for all, restoring funding for dental services, and reforming current contracts to better reflect patient needs. With over 12 million people unable to access NHS dental care last year—representing more than one in four adults in England—the need for action is urgent.

As the crisis continues, the stories of individuals like Paul Gwynne, Lisa Cavanagh Smith, and Alex Boot illustrate the profound human impact of inadequate dental care access in the UK. The ongoing campaign aims to bring attention to the pressing need for reform in NHS dentistry, ultimately striving for a system that is equitable and accessible for all.