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Dentistry in England

This thread tracks the policy, regulatory and contractual reform of NHS dentistry in England — covering the dental contract reform programme, annual patient-charge uplifts under the NHS Act 2006, CQC regulation of dental providers under the 2008 Regulated Activities regime, and parliamentary scrutiny of access and workforce.


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2026

15 events
29 Apr 2026 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the repercussions of the abolition of NHS England on the operation of Section 7A of the National Health Service Act 2006 with respect…

Why linked: Matched expansion phrase: National Health Service Act 2006

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the repercussions of the abolition of NHS England on the operation of Section 7A of the National Health Service Act 2006 with respect to public health commissioning for vaccinations.

21 Apr 2026 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to address oral health inequalities among adults who cannot access NHS dental care.

Why linked: Written PQ on oral health inequalities among adults unable to access NHS dental care.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to address oral health inequalities among adults who cannot access NHS dental care.

15 Apr 2026 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) Regulations…

Why linked: Written PQ on the impact of the Regulated Activities Regulations 2026 on health and social care providers — directly probes SI 2026/495.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 on (a) the number of and (b) …

15 Apr 2026 | Committee sitting Delegated Legislation Committee linked direct

Delegated Legislation Committee: Draft Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

Why linked: Duplicate cite of the Commons DLC transcript for the 2026 Regulated Activities SI (intentional in key-docs view).

The Committee consisted of the following Members: Chair: Graham Stringer † Ahmed, Dr Zubir (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care) † Anderson, Stuart (South Shropshire) (Con) † Beavers, Lorraine (Blackpool North and Fleetwood) (Lab) † Bennett, Alison …

31 Mar 2026 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what size by attendance of sporting or cultural events are within the scope of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) Regulations 2026.

Why linked: PQ on the attendance threshold for sporting/cultural events under SI 2026/495.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what size by attendance of sporting or cultural events are within the scope of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) Regulations 2026.

31 Mar 2026 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if his Department will publish an impact assessment of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 on the number of sporting and cultural events; and if

Why linked: PQ asking whether the Department will publish an impact assessment for the Regulated Activities Regulations 2026 — directly engages the corpus gap identified in this brief.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if his Department will publish an impact assessment of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 on the number of sporting and cultural events; …

31 Mar 2026 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what definition his Department uses for a sporting or cultural event as set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) Regulations 2026.

Why linked: Written PQ asking the Department to define 'sporting or cultural event' under SI 2026/495 — operational scope question on the amended regulated activities regime.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what definition his Department uses for a sporting or cultural event as set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) Regulations 2026.

26 Mar 2026 | Written question Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 on trends in the number of sporting and cultural

Why linked: PQ to DCMS on the impact of the Regulated Activities Regulations 2026 on the sport sector — cross-departmental scrutiny of the same SI.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 on trends in the number of …

10 Mar 2026 | Statutory Instrument linked direct

The National Health Service (Primary Dental Services and Dental Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

Why linked: Matched expansion phrase: The National Health Service (Primary Dental Services and Dental Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

These Regulations amend the National Health Service (General Dental Contracts) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3361) (“the GDS Contracts Regulations”), the National Health Service (Personal Dental Services Agreements) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3373) (“the PDS Agreements Regulations”) and the National Health Service (Dental …

9 Mar 2026 | Statutory Instrument Care Quality Commission Department of Health and Social Care Health and Social Care Committee NHS England Public Accounts Committee evidence

The National Health Service (Primary Dental Services and Dental Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

Why linked: Filled the "A 2026 dental charges uplift SI (successor to SI 2025/310)" gap via web research

SI 2026/265, made 9 March 2026, uplifts NHS dental patient charges in England from 1 April 2026 by approximately 1.66% (Band 1: £27.40→£27.90; Band 2: £75.30→£76.60; Band 3: £326.70→£332.10). It is the direct successor to SI 2025/310, which it cites …

2025

18 events
16 Dec 2025 | Debate linked direct

Government Response to NHS Dentistry Consultation: Quality and Payment Reforms – Hansard Commons statement (16 December 2025)

Why linked: The ministerial statement to the Commons announcing the outcome of the 2025 consultation and confirming April 2026 implementation is the most recent major parliamentary event on this thread.

The Government remain committed to fundamental reform of the dental contract by the end of this Parliament, with a focus on matching resources to need, improving access, promoting prevention and rewarding dentists fairly.

16 Dec 2025 | Government response linked direct

Government response to consultation on NHS dentistry contract: quality and payment reforms

Why linked: The formal government response to the 2025 consultation, confirming new complex care pathways, urgent care requirements, and the legislative timetable — a key decision document.

The government aims to introduce legislation where necessary to support implementation of proposals from April 2026. The government's ambition is to deliver fundamental contract reform before the end of this parliament.

9 Jul 2025 | Other linked scrutiny

NHS Dentistry: follow-up – Health and Social Care Committee inquiry

Why linked: The HSCC's 2025 follow-up inquiry scrutinising progress since its landmark 2023 report is an active parliamentary scrutiny exercise directly relevant to the thread.

Two years on from its July 2023 report on NHS Dentistry – when it concluded there is a 'crisis of access in NHS dentistry' – the Health and Social Care Committee is following-up with government and NHS England.

8 Jul 2025 | Debate linked direct

NHS Dental Contract Reforms: Consultation – Hansard Commons statement (8 July 2025)

Why linked: The ministerial statement to the Commons launching the 2025 consultation, linking it explicitly to the 10 Year Health Plan and setting out the reform package.

As set out in the 10-year health plan, the Government are launching a public consultation on a package of reforms to improve the current NHS dental contract, representing the next step towards delivering a dentistry service fit for the future.

16 Jun 2025 | Policy paper HM Treasury Context · primary home: Treasury Minutes linked evidence

Treasury Minutes – June 2025

Why linked: Filled the "A published Government Response to the Public Accounts Committee report 'Fixing NHS Dentistry'" gap via web research

Government departments respond to the Public Accounts Committee reports through a Treasury minute.

11 Jun 2025 | Research House of Commons Library linked direct

NHS dentistry in England

Why linked: Commons Library briefing CBP-9597 'NHS dentistry in England' is the standard independent analyst overview of this thread.

Type: Commons Briefing Paper (CBP-9597) An overview of NHS dentistry in England, including a discussion of current challenges facing providers and the government response.

2 Jun 2025 | Other linked commitment

Early Day Motion: Reform of NHS dentistry services

Why linked: The EDM records cross-party parliamentary concern about the failure of the recovery plan and the absence of a clear contract reform timeline, reflecting the political temperature on this issue.

This House notes with concern the findings of the Public Accounts Committee's report entitled Fixing NHS Dentistry, which highlights the failure of the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England's 2024 dental recovery plan to improve access to …

7 Apr 2025 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to reduce waiting times for Care Quality Commission initial inspections for (a) GP practices, (b) dental practices and (c) care homes.

Why linked: PQ on steps to reduce CQC initial-inspection waiting times for dental practices — same capacity risk.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to reduce waiting times for Care Quality Commission initial inspections for (a) GP practices, (b) dental practices and (c) care homes.

7 Apr 2025 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of waiting times for Care Quality Commission initial inspections for (a) GP practices, (b) dental practices and (c) care homes.

Why linked: PQ on CQC waiting times for initial inspection of dental practices — directly engages CQC capacity risk for the regulated-activities expansion.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of waiting times for Care Quality Commission initial inspections for (a) GP practices, (b) dental practices and (c) care homes.

4 Apr 2025 | Other linked scrutiny

Fixing NHS Dentistry – Public Accounts Committee inquiry publications

Why linked: The PAC's 2025 inquiry into NHS dentistry, triggered by the NAO report, is a major parliamentary scrutiny exercise with a published report and government response.

In a report on fixing NHS dentistry, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) warns that there is no future for NHS dentistry without action from Government to go further in supporting the dental workforce.

11 Mar 2025 | Debate linked implements

Dental Patient Charges Uplift – Hansard Commons debate (11 March 2025)

Why linked: The Commons debate on the 2025 dental charge uplift SI records parliamentary scrutiny of the annual patient charges mechanism and links it to the broader reform agenda.

On 10 March 2025, the National Health Service (Dental Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 were laid before Parliament to increase national health service dental patient charges in England in line with inflation from 1 April 2025.

11 Mar 2025 | Other linked direct

Written Statement: Dental Patient Charges Uplift 2025/26 and Dentistry Update (HCWS512)

Why linked: The written ministerial statement covering the 2025-26 patient charge uplift, the supervised toothbrushing scheme, water fluoridation expansion, and golden hellos update — a key policy update document.

On 10th March 2025, the National Health Service (Dental Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 were laid before Parliament to increase National Health Service dental patient charges in England in line with inflation from 1st April 2025.

10 Mar 2025 | Statutory Instrument linked direct

The National Health Service (Dental Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Why linked: Duplicate corpus entry for SI 2025/310 (NHS Dental Charges Amendment Regulations 2025) — the live operationalising instrument for 2025/26 charges.

These Regulations amend the National Health Service (Dental Charges) Regulations 2005 (“the 2005 Regulations”). The 2005 Regulations specify the amounts of patient charges levied for NHS dental treatments in England.

10 Mar 2025 | Statutory Instrument linked implements

The National Health Service (Dental Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (SI 2025/310)

Why linked: The statutory instrument implementing the 2025-26 patient charge uplift is the primary legislation underpinning the annual charges mechanism.

These Regulations amend the National Health Service (Dental Charges) Regulations 2005. The 2005 Regulations specify the amounts of patient charges levied for NHS dental treatments in England.

27 Feb 2025 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of low NHS dental access in South Basildon and East Thurrock on levels of pressure on urgent care services.

Why linked: Written PQ on low NHS dental access in South Basildon and East Thurrock and pressure on urgent care — direct access scrutiny.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of low NHS dental access in South Basildon and East Thurrock on levels of pressure on urgent care services.

2024

6 events
9 May 2024 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate she has made of the number of children unable to access NHS dentistry in England; and whether she has set a target date by which all children in England will be able to access an NHS

Why linked: Written PQ on children unable to access NHS dentistry in England — access scrutiny.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate she has made of the number of children unable to access NHS dentistry in England; and whether she has set a target date by which all children …

1 Mar 2024 | Statutory Instrument linked direct

The National Health Service (Primary Dental Services and Dental Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 2024

Why linked: Previous-cycle dental contract amending SI (2024) — predecessor instrument to SI 2026/265 in the same series.

These Regulations amend the National Health Service (General Dental Services Contracts) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3361) (“the GDS Contracts Regulations”), the National Health Service (Personal Dental Services Agreements) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3373) (“the PDS Agreements Regulations”) and the National Health Service …

2023

6 events
14 Jul 2023 | Other linked direct

We also welcome measures by NHS England to intervene on providers who are under-delivering on contracted NHS activity. We look forward to an update on how this work is progressing. We welcome this funding being used flexibly, however there cannot be further delays in doing so.

Why linked: Health and Social Care Committee endorsement of NHS England intervention on under-delivering dental providers — directly relevant to the new urgent-treatment quotas.

We also welcome measures by NHS England to intervene on providers who are under-delivering on contracted NHS activity. We look forward to an update on how this work is progressing. We welcome this funding being used flexibly, however there cannot …

14 Jul 2023 | Other linked direct

The Government and NHS England must improve the routine data that is collected on the number of NHS dentists and the wider dental team, and the levels of NHS activity they undertake, as well as data on demand, to assist with workforce planning and identifying gaps in provision. This must be addressed in the forthcoming dental recovery plan. Until such a time, the Government should focus on statistics which show the levels of NHS dental activity.

Why linked: Health and Social Care Committee finding on data collection for NHS dental activity — direct evidence on the access/activity pillar.

The Government and NHS England must improve the routine data that is collected on the number of NHS dentists and the wider dental team, and the levels of NHS activity they undertake, as well as data on demand, to assist …

14 Jul 2023 | Other linked direct

We welcome the Government’s recognition of the need for dental contract reform. The Department and NHS England must urgently implement a fundamentally reformed dental contract, characterised by a move away from the current UDA system, in favour of a system with a weighted capitation element, which emphasises prevention and person-centred care. This should be based on the learnings from the Dental Contract Reform Programme and in full consultation with the dental profession.

Why linked: Health and Social Care Committee finding endorsing the need for dental contract reform — direct policy-position evidence.

We welcome the Government’s recognition of the need for dental contract reform. The Department and NHS England must urgently implement a fundamentally reformed dental contract, characterised by a move away from the current UDA system, in favour of a system …

14 Jul 2023 | Other linked direct

Practices should abide by NICE recall guidelines of up to two years for most adult patients, recognising the need for more regular recall for some, but people should not automatically be removed from dentists’ registers of NHS patients without good reason. This should be monitored by NHS England to ensure it is being carried out. (Paragraph 19) The Dental Contract

Why linked: Committee finding on NICE recall guidelines and patient removal — directly on-topic dental practice scrutiny.

Practices should abide by NICE recall guidelines of up to two years for most adult patients, recognising the need for more regular recall for some, but people should not automatically be removed from dentists’ registers of NHS patients without good …

13 Jul 2023 | Consultation outcome Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

Post-implementation review of regulations relating to the Care Quality Commission

Why linked: Post-implementation review of the regulations relating to the CQC — direct evidence base for the regulated-activities regime governing dental providers.

We're seeking feedback from all providers of a regulated activity that are registered with the Care Quality Commission in England on regulations made under the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

16 Mar 2023 | Research Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee linked direct

33rd Report - Drawn to the special attention of the House: Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Care Functions) Regulations 2023; Correspondence on the Building Safety (Leaseholder Protections) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2023; Includes information paragraphs on: One instrument related to COVID-19: Valuation for Rating (Coronavirus) (England) Regulations 2023; Draft Merchant Shipping (Fire Protection) Regulations 2023

Why linked: SLSC 33rd Report (2022-23) drawing the 2023 Regulated Care Functions Regulations to the special attention of the House — establishes the SLSC scrutiny route used for subsequent dental/CQC SIs.

SLSC 33rd Report (2022-23) drawing the 2023 Regulated Care Functions Regulations to the special attention of the House — establishes the SLSC scrutiny route used for subsequent dental/CQC SIs.

2022

4 events
29 Sep 2022 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate she has made of the number of whole time equivalent dentists providing NHS dentistry in England by Parliamentary constituency.

Why linked: Written PQ on whole-time-equivalent dentists providing NHS dentistry in England by constituency — workforce-data scrutiny.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate she has made of the number of whole time equivalent dentists providing NHS dentistry in England by Parliamentary constituency.

22 Jun 2022 | Debate linked direct

NHS Dentistry in England

Why linked: June 2022 Westminster Hall debate on NHS Dentistry in England led by Derek Thomas is a direct parliamentary debate on this thread's subject.

[Graham Stringer in the Chair ] [Relevant document: e-petition 564154, Independent review of the NHS dental contract.] 14:30:00 Derek Thomas (St Ives) (Con): I beg to move, That this House has considered NHS dentistry in England. It is a privilege …

17 Jun 2022 | Research House of Commons Library linked direct

Debate on NHS dentistry in England

Why linked: Commons Debate Pack supporting the June 2022 NHS Dentistry in England Westminster Hall debate.

Type: Commons Debate Pack (CDP-2022-0112) There will be a debate on NHS Dentistry in Westminster Hall on 22 June 2022 at 2:30pm. This debate will be led by Derek Tomas MP.

2021

5 events
25 May 2021 | Debate linked direct

Oral Health and Dentistry: England

Why linked: May 2021 Westminster Hall debate on Oral Health and Dentistry: England is a directly on-topic parliamentary debate.

Virtual participation in proceedings commenced (Order, 25 February ). [NB: [V] denotes a Member participating virtually.] 09:25:00 Hannah Bardell (in the Chair): I remind hon. Members that there have been some changes to normal practice in order to support the …

21 May 2021 | Research House of Commons Library linked direct

Oral health and dentistry in England

Why linked: Commons Debate Pack supporting the May 2021 oral health and dentistry debate.

Type: Commons Debate Pack (CDP-2021-0072) A Westminster Hall debate on the ‘Oral health and dentistry in England’ has been scheduled for Tuesday 25 May 2021 from 9.25-11.00am. The debate has been initiated by Mohammad Yasin MP.

8 Apr 2021 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of the effect of NHS activity targets for dentistry on (a) reducing the backlog of urgent care and (b) the financial viability of dental practices.

Why linked: PQ on the effect of NHS dental activity targets on urgent-care backlog — directly relevant to SI 2026/265's urgent-treatment quotas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of the effect of NHS activity targets for dentistry on (a) reducing the backlog of urgent care and (b) the financial viability of …

19 Mar 2021 | Research Public Health England linked direct

Inequalities in oral health in England

Why linked: Public Health England report on inequalities in oral health in England is the evidence base for the 'access' and 'prevention' objectives in current reform language.

This report describes the current picture of oral health inequalities and oral health services inequalities in England and ways to reduce them.

2020

2 events
25 Mar 2020 | Research Department of Health and Social Care linked direct

Dentistry in England

Why linked: HSC Committee memorandum 'Dentistry in England' supporting the dental services inquiry.

This memorandum has been prepared to support the Health and Social Care Committee’s Dentistry Services inquiry. Report type: value_for_money | Departments: ['Department of Health and Social Care'] | Topics: ['Health and social care', 'NHS']

2018

1 event

2016

1 event
3 Aug 2016 | Research House of Lords Library linked direct

Health and Social Care Act 2012: Performance and Sustainability of the NHS

Why linked: Matched expansion phrase: Health and Social Care Act 2012

Type: Lords Library Note (LLN-2016-0042) This Library briefing has been prepared ahead of the forthcoming debate on the impact of the Health and Social Care Act 2012 on the current performance of the National Health Service and its future sustainability. …

2014

1 event
5 Dec 2014 | Research House of Commons Library linked direct

National Health Service (Amended Duties and Powers) Bill [Bill 18 of 2014-15]

Why linked: Matched expansion phrase: Health and Social Care Act 2012

Type: Standard Note (SN07026) This Library briefing paper provides information on the National Health Service (Amended Duties and Powers) Bill, which received its Second Reading on 21 November 2014. The Bill seeks to make changes to a number of provisions …

2012

1 event