NHS dentists in Hampshire see an increase of more than 35,000 patients in the past 12 months
Figures show NHS dental access improvement
Tens of thousands more patients were seen by NHS dentists in Hampshire over the past year but a local trust has acknowledged “there is still much to do”.
Between April 2025 and April 2026 35,000 more people had access to NHS dentistry compared to the previous year. Overall 650,000 patents were seen in the county and as well as an increase in patients, the number of appointments and all-round NHS dental has reportedly increased.
Despite the improvement many people still struggle to get appointments on the NHS.
James Roach, Director of Neighbourhood Health at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: “It is really encouraging to see these figures and that more patients are able to access the vital NHS dental care that we know our communities need.
“There is still much to do, but it does reflect that we are on the right track for both urgent care and routine appointments that help keep our population as healthy as possible. These figures wouldn’t be possible without the great work of our dental providers and stakeholders who all want to see this issue go in the right direction.”
The news comes as NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight review how dentistry is offered to patients in the community as part of neighbourhood health, which is the new way organising health and care services around people and the communities they live in.
The aim is to bring NHS care such as GP services and dentistry, together with local authorities and the voluntary sector as part of the national 10 Year Health Plan.
One of the main aims for improving dental services in the county is by increasing the workforce. Last week it was announced that the University of Portsmouth would receive 25 dental places from September 2027, making it the first dental school in the South East.
While the effects of that may not be felt for years to come the hope is by training more home-grown dentist they will stay in the area and serve the community via the NHS. It has been viewed as a positive step but there are calls for wider reform amongst NHS dentistry for it prevent areas such as Portsmouth remaining as dental deserts.