UK's dental decay 'epidemic' revealed

There were 49,112 tooth extractions for children in hospital in 2023/24, the equivalent of 134 a day, new official figures reveal.

© jarmoluk/pixabay

© jarmoluk/pixabay

The data also shows that the costs to the NHS was £74.8m for all tooth extractions.

Liberal Democrat health and social care spokesperson Helen Morgan, said: ‘This dental decay epidemic is leaving children in pain and parents sick with worry. It is utterly harrowing to see this many children being failed by the broken dental care system.'

She added: ‘The government needs to get a grip of this scandal to ensure everyone that needs a dentist appointment can get one.'

Waiting lists rise for second month in a row to over 7.4m in July

Waiting lists rise for second month in a row to over 7.4m in July

By Lee Peart 11 September 2025

NHS waiting lists rose for the second month in a row in July to over 7.4m amidst five days of industrial action by resident doctors.

BREAKING NEWS: Streeting unveils neighbourhood health 'pioneers'

By Liz Wells 09 September 2025

Millions of patients in 43 places across the country are set to benefit from improved care closer to home, as the government begins the rollout of new neighb...

Corridor care now a 'regrettable reality', says CQC

By Lee Peart 09 September 2025

Almost one in five (18%) of patients having to wait for a bed on a ward are kept in a corridor or hallway, the CQC has found.


Popular articles by Liz Wells