Daily Mail - Britain's dental crisis: Charities that assist third world countries are forced to step in to cope with the 'national disaster' because dentists are too busy to properly treat patients

Excessive targets and admin is making patient treatment a low priority

• The charity Dentaid set up its first UK scheme in West Yorkshire two years ago
• It has expanded its reach and now treats patients across three counties
• Past research shows one in six areas have no NHS services taking patients left
• Some 31% of adults in the UK have tooth decay, which can cause gum disease 
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• Britain's dental crisis is forcing charities that assist third world countries to step in.
  Dentists in the UK are so inundated with targets and admin, they lack the time and resources to properly focus on dental health, resulting in a 'national disaster' that is making patient treatment a low priority, according to a letter signed by more than 400 dentists.
  Described as 'an international disgrace', Dentaid, a charity which works across parts of Africa, Asia and Central America, set up its first UK scheme in West Yorkshire two years ago and provides free care to low-income patients.
  The charity has since expanded its reach, with mobile services being set up in Hampshire, Cornwall and Buckinghamshire.  
  Previous research reveals one in six areas in the UK have no dentists left taking NHS patients. 
  Some 31 per cent of adults in the UK have tooth decay, which is defined as the destruction of the enamel, leading to holes in the teeth, gum disease or the collection of pus in the teeth or gums. Tooth decay is caused by acids produced by plaque............................ 
  
  

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