Nearly 700 patients have been treated for tooth decay at Lewisham and Greenwich hospitals in the past three years, highlighting a growing dental health crisis, according to a recent investigation.
Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, which serves communities in London, operates two main hospital sites—Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich and University Hospital in Lewisham—along with over a dozen community clinics. Figures released by Public Interest Lawyers reveal that 689 patients diagnosed with tooth decay were admitted to these hospitals since 2021.
Routine dental care is crucial to prevent severe dental issues, yet many people in the area are unable to see a dentist regularly. This has resulted in a surge of patients visiting A&E departments. National data reveals that 90% of dentists across the UK are not accepting new NHS adult patients, and many won’t treat children unless their parents are registered as private clients. As a result, thousands of individuals have turned to hospital emergency departments.
The number of tooth decay diagnoses in Lewisham and Greenwich hospitals has fluctuated in recent years. In 2021-2022, 256 patients were diagnosed, but this figure decreased to 195 the following year. However, the latest data shows a sharp increase in the past year, with 238 diagnoses recorded—a 22% rise compared to the previous year.
Tooth decay remains a significant public health concern, especially among children. According to the BBC and the British Dental Association (BDA), it is the leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged 5 to 17 in England. A staggering 40% of children no longer have access to routine dental care. Between April 2022 and May 2023, more than 100,000 patients—30,000 of them children—were admitted to A&E due to dental problems.
Certain regions in the UK, now dubbed ‘dental deserts,’ have seen all local dentists close their books to new patients, worsening the access crisis.
In addition to the overall figures, Public Interest Lawyers obtained data on younger patients. In 2021-2022, there were 28 patients aged 5 to 17, but that number fell to 21 the following year. In 2023-2024, the number of young patients with tooth decay dropped further to just 6.
Recent analyses from the Labour Party suggest that 4.75 million people in England were unable to secure an NHS dentist appointment in the past two years. Many patients reported being turned away due to practices not accepting new clients.
Public Interest Lawyers, which advocates for those affected by dental negligence, offers free legal support and a 24-hour helpline to assist victims. Their website provides more information and access to their claims service.
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