COVID-19: 452% rise in calls and complaints about dentistry

That's according to a new report by watchdogs, Healthwatch.

While many dental practices have now reopened for routine services, they report that people are still unable to get an appointment for routine check-ups, hygienist appointments or for fillings.

This, they say, is because dentists are required to prioritise patients who need urgent care.

The report, published this week, also says: 'People have reported struggling to access NHS dentistry because practices are either not taking on new NHS patients or have no available NHS appointments. Some have been told to wait until the new year to book an appointment, while others have told us that their dentist has put them on a waiting list and will contact them when they can offer an appointment - with an indefinite amount of time to wait. There are some people who will in effect have to wait a year to book an appointment because their appointments keep being cancelled or postponed.'