Research by the House of Commons Library, commissioned by the Liberal Democrats, shows that 4,079 NHS dentists are approaching retirement age (aged 55+). It accounts for one in eight of all dentists, with some areas facing a much starker situation.

In North Lincolnshire, 22 of the 67 dentists are approaching retirement age, accounting for a third. In Norfolk and Waverly, 91 of 328 (28%) dentists are aged over 55, and in North East Lincolnshire it is 19 of 74 (26%).

In addition, the research found that in the past four years, there have been more than 8,500 dentists who have left the NHS. Areas covering Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Cornwall, Devon and Cambridgeshire all have around one in six dentists approaching retirement age.

A separate Written Parliamentary Question by the Liberal Democrats revealed that 329 NHS contracts have been handed back by providers compounding the issue of "dental deserts".

Liberal Democrat health and social care spokesperson, Helen Morgan, said: ‘This dark situation is at risk of getting even worse with this ticking timebomb of dentists approaching retirement age. The Conservatives' shameful record brought us to this point but the Labour government's kicking of the can down the road is simply not sustainable.

 ‘We need to see ministers urgently enact the Liberal Democrats plan to end dental deserts and rescue countless communities from these great dearths in dental provision. Only then will we put the days of DIY dentistry behind us.'