The number of practising dentists in the UK is projected to decline over the next five years. The data shows a decrease from 31.78 thousand persons in 2024 to 28.77 thousand persons by 2028. This represents a consistent year-on-year decline: -2.39% from 2024 to 2025, -2.45% from 2025 to 2026, -2.48% from 2026 to 2027, and -2.47% from 2027 to 2028. The average annual decrease (CAGR) over this five-year period is approximately -2.45%.
Future trends to watch for include the impact of evolving healthcare policies, changes in dental education and training capacities, and potential shifts in population demographics that could influence the demand and supply of dental professionals in the UK.
