NHS dentistry has effectively ceased to exist for millions across the country, the British Dental Association (BDA) warned yesterday.

According to a BDA analysis of dental data in the recently published GP Survey, the unmet need for NHS dentistry in England stands at a record high of 13 million — well over a quarter of the adult population.

It found that an estimated 5.6m had tried and failed to secure an appointment in the last two years, and that 5.4m had not even attempted to make an appointment as they did not think they could secure care.