How will the cost of living crisis affect NHS Dentistry?

There is no doubt that the cost of living crisis has the potential to surpass the chaos of the effect COVID-19 had on the NHS. Almost every sector will be impacted by increasing inflation forecasts and will no doubt take action to protect their businesses.
This may possibly work for some, but there are obvious issues for the future of NHS dentistry, such as increased fixed costs, high overheads and private practices requiring government approval if they want to increase fees.
The business of NHS dentistry relies on UDA targets to be completed; however, with forecasts of inflation reaching eighteen per cent, a significant proportion of the population cannot afford NHS dental fees due to less disposable income.
There is no doubt that devastation will ensue for patients and practices unable to reach their UDA if the NHS continues its policy of funding dentistry by increasing patient charges.
The adult dental health survey in 2018 revealed that twenty-two per cent of the population would be unable to afford band three fees. It can only be speculated what will happen over the next year as inflation skyrockets and several people are dragged into poverty.
The combination of below inflationary contract uplifts, increased patient fees and inflation can lead us to assume that many people will not be able to afford NHS dental fees.