The Problem

Over 13 million adults in England have unmet dental needs.

These aren't just statistics — they represent real people forced to choose between high private costs, unsafe self-treatment, or going without care entirely.

13m

Adults with unmet dental need

In England alone, millions can't access NHS dental care

Source: BDA

5.6m

Failed to get an NHS appointment

Tried but couldn't secure dental care

Source: BDA

69%

Paid privately when NHS failed

Of those unable to access NHS care

Source: Ipsos

26%

Treated themselves

Resorted to unsafe self-treatment

Source: Ipsos

1 in 10

Adults reported dental pain

Living with untreated dental problems

Source: Adult Oral Health Survey

When Access Fails

What people are forced to do

What people do when they can't get NHS dental care

Paid privately69%

Treated themselves26%

Unmet dental need in England

Adults with unmet need13m (28%)

Tried & failed to get appointment5.6m

Gave up trying5.4m

Data sources: BDA, Ipsos, GOV.UK Adult Oral Health Survey | Oral Health Foundation

When access fails, patients are forced to choose between high private costs or unsafe self-treatment. The Pearlie Care Fund was created to respond to this gap responsibly — not emotionally, but structurally.

The Response

What the Pearlie Care Fund covers

Clear, bounded care with transparent expectations. We prioritise emergency relief — not comprehensive treatment.

Primary

Emergency Relief Appointment

Emergency assessment
X-rays if clinically necessary
Pain relief measures
Temporary filling or dressing if appropriate
Smoothing sharp edges
Advice + prescriptions when clinically indicated

“Relief and stabilisation — not a full treatment plan.”

Optional (Capped)

Essential Treatment Appointment

One simple permanent filling
OR one non-surgical extraction
OR re-cement crown/bridge
OR targeted gum treatment if pain-linked
One visit only

“One visit. One problem. Clinician-led.”

Limited Availability

Preventive Access

Check-up
Hygiene appointment
Only when clinics allocate preventive Care Fund slots
Not available by default

“Prevention for those who need it most.”

What's not included

Cosmetic proceduresOrthodonticsImplants, crowns, or veneersMulti-visit treatment plansComplex endodontics or surgical work

The Care Fund is designed for emergency stabilisation and essential treatment only. It does not replace NHS services or provide comprehensive treatment plans.

Currently in Development

The Pearlie Care Fund

We are building this initiative in partnership with clinics and community organisations to ensure:

Clear eligibility criteria
Ethical allocation
Transparent funding structure
Defined clinic participation standards

This programme will launch once these safeguards are in place.

Help us make this a reality

If you are:

A dental clinic
A community organisation
A charity
A potential funding partner

And would like to contribute to the development of the Pearlie Care Fund, we would welcome a conversation.

Pearlie

My account Find my clinic

The Problem

Over 13 million adults in England have unmet dental needs.

These aren't just statistics — they represent real people forced to choose between high private costs, unsafe self-treatment, or going without care entirely.

13m

Adults with unmet dental need

In England alone, millions can't access NHS dental care

Source: BDA

5.6m

Failed to get an NHS appointment

Tried but couldn't secure dental care

Source: BDA

69%

Paid privately when NHS failed

Of those unable to access NHS care

Source: Ipsos

26%

Treated themselves

Resorted to unsafe self-treatment

Source: Ipsos

1 in 10

Adults reported dental pain

Living with untreated dental problems

Source: Adult Oral Health Survey

When Access Fails

What people are forced to do

What people do when they can't get NHS dental care

Paid privately69%

Treated themselves26%

Unmet dental need in England

Adults with unmet need13m (28%)

Tried & failed to get appointment5.6m

Gave up trying5.4m

Data sources: BDA, Ipsos, GOV.UK Adult Oral Health Survey | Oral Health Foundation

The Response

What the Pearlie Care Fund covers

Clear, bounded care with transparent expectations. We prioritise emergency relief — not comprehensive treatment.

Primary

Emergency Relief Appointment

Emergency assessment
X-rays if clinically necessary
Pain relief measures
Temporary filling or dressing if appropriate
Smoothing sharp edges
Advice + prescriptions when clinically indicated

“Relief and stabilisation — not a full treatment plan.”

Optional (Capped)

Essential Treatment Appointment

One simple permanent filling
OR one non-surgical extraction
OR re-cement crown/bridge
OR targeted gum treatment if pain-linked
One visit only

“One visit. One problem. Clinician-led.”

Limited Availability

Preventive Access

Check-up
Hygiene appointment
Only when clinics allocate preventive Care Fund slots
Not available by default

“Prevention for those who need it most.”

What's not included

Cosmetic proceduresOrthodonticsImplants, crowns, or veneersMulti-visit treatment plansComplex endodontics or surgical work

The Care Fund is designed for emergency stabilisation and essential treatment only. It does not replace NHS services or provide comprehensive treatment plans.

Currently in Development

The Pearlie Care Fund

We are building this initiative in partnership with clinics and community organisations to ensure:

Clear eligibility criteria
Ethical allocation
Transparent funding structure
Defined clinic participation standards

This programme will launch once these safeguards are in place.

Help us make this a reality

If you are:

A dental clinic
A community organisation
A charity
A potential funding partner

And would like to contribute to the development of the Pearlie Care Fund, we would welcome a conversation.