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    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.

    Looking for a trusted dental clinic?

    While we work on expanding access, Pearlie is already matching patients with verified, GDC-registered clinics across London.

    Find my clinic

    Free, independent, takes under 60 seconds

    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.

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