Dentists return 900m for not seeing NHS patients

"Over the last two years, more than 900m has been handed back - 1 out of every 7 they have been paid - as dentists instead prioritise private work. The findings help explain why despite record sums being set aside for NHS dentistry, so many patients are struggling to get one - more than a fifth of people report not being able to access care when they need it."

"Under the NHS contract, dentists agree how much NHS work they are going to provide during the year and receive monthly payments from the health service for that. If a dental practice underdelivers - classed as below 96% of the contract value - the NHS then recoups money from practices the following year."

"In 2024-25, more than 450m was returned, BBC analysis of NHS accounts shows, while nearly 480m was returned the year before. In each year, more than 40% of dentists had to hand back money. It represents a sharp rise in the sums returned in previous years."

English dentists have returned more than 900 million pounds to the government over two years for failing to meet NHS care commitments, with over 450 million returned in 2024-25 alone. This represents one of every seven pounds paid to dentists. More than 40% of dental practices underdelivered on their NHS contracts, defined as providing below 96% of contracted work. Despite record government funding for NHS dentistry, over a fifth of patients report inability to access care when needed. Dentists prioritize private work over NHS services, creating significant access barriers. The NHS recoupes money from practices that underdeliver, with sums returned showing a sharp increase compared to previous years. This situation coincides with a Competition and Markets Authority investigation into private dentistry market practices and fees.

Read at www.bbc.com