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NHS Dentistry Recovery and Reform

NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care are implementing a recovery and reform programme for NHS dentistry to address access shortages, particularly in rural areas and for new adult patients. The policy focuses on recruitment and retention of NHS dentists, improving provision in underserved regions, and ensuring children can access NHS dental care.

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2026

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many full-time equivalent GPs were practising in the Great Yarmouth constituency in each of the last five years, and how many patients the

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many full-time equivalent GPs were practising in the Great Yarmouth constituency in each of the last five years, and how many patients these GPs were responsible for in …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
29 Apr 2026 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care Context · primary home: Dentistry in England linked

To ask His Majesty's Government what system is in place to ensure that integrated care boards are effective in contracting dental practices for the provision of NHS dental services.

To ask His Majesty's Government what system is in place to ensure that integrated care boards are effective in contracting dental practices for the provision of NHS dental services.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
29 Apr 2026 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care Context · primary home: Dentistry in England linked

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the performance of NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board in (1) contracting dental practices for the provision of NHS

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the performance of NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board in (1) contracting dental practices for the provision of NHS dental services, and (2) ensuring that patients …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
28 Apr 2026 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what percentage of NHS dental practices are accepting new adult NHS patients in (a) Great Yarmouth constituency, (b) Norfolk and (c) England.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what percentage of NHS dental practices are accepting new adult NHS patients in (a) Great Yarmouth constituency, (b) Norfolk and (c) England.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
28 Apr 2026 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many NHS dental posts advertised by Integrated Care Boards are unfilled in rural areas; and whether he has undertaken analysis of the reas

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many NHS dental posts advertised by Integrated Care Boards are unfilled in rural areas; and whether he has undertaken analysis of the reasons for issues with recruiting to …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
28 Apr 2026 | Written question Department of Health and Social Care linked

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to reduce the waiting time for NHS children’s speech and language therapy support in (a) Ashfield, (b) Nottinghamshire

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to reduce the waiting time for NHS children’s speech and language therapy support in (a) Ashfield, (b) Nottinghamshire and (c) nationally.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2025

39 events
16 Dec 2025 | Announcement Department of Health and Social Care Context · primary home: Dentistry in England linked

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

UIN: HCWS1172 I wish to update the House following the government’s recent public consultation on quality and payment reforms to the NHS dentistry contract.Restoring NHS dentistry is one of the government’s top priorities.The government remains committed to fundamental...

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓
16 Dec 2025 | Announcement Department of Health and Social Care Context · primary home: Dentistry in England linked

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

UIN: HLWS1176 My Honourable Friend the Minister of State for Care (Stephen Kinnock MP) has made the following statement:I wish to update the House following the government’s recent public consultation on quality and payment reforms to the NHS dentistry contract.Restori...

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓
4 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

The dental recovery plan was never going to deliver its headline ambition that everyone who needs to see an NHS dentist would be able to, and has failed even to deliver the hoped for 1.5 million additional courses of treatment in 2024–25. The plan’s initial promise to expand access in 2024–25 so that everyone who needed to see a dentist would be able to was never aligned to its actual target of an additional 1.5 million courses of treatment. Even this target would have left overall delivery s...

The dental recovery plan was never going to deliver its headline ambition that everyone who needs to see an NHS dentist would be able to, and has failed even to deliver the hoped for 1.5 million additional courses of treatment …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

The dental recovery plan relied on centrally planned and imposed initiatives that ultimately failed to positively influence the amount of care delivered by dental practices. The dental recovery plan set out national initiatives that relied on take–up and delivery at a local level, hoping to influence the behaviour of individual dental practices. This approach ultimately failed, with the example of mobile dental vans particularly illustrative of a nationally–planned idea failing to address iss...

The dental recovery plan relied on centrally planned and imposed initiatives that ultimately failed to positively influence the amount of care delivered by dental practices. The dental recovery plan set out national initiatives that relied on take–up and delivery at …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

DHSC and NHSE have not undertaken the analysis needed to understand the actual cost of delivering NHS dental care, without which any efforts at reform will fail to address fundamental issues around the affordability of NHS work. The discrepancy between what a dentist can earn delivering NHS work and private work is a fundamental issue for improving access. The current NHS dental contract, and its reliance on Units of Dental Activity (UDA) rates that were set nearly two decades ago, is unfit f...

DHSC and NHSE have not undertaken the analysis needed to understand the actual cost of delivering NHS dental care, without which any efforts at reform will fail to address fundamental issues around the affordability of NHS work. The discrepancy between …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England (NHSE) on NHS dentistry and the dental recovery plan.1

On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England (NHSE) on NHS dentistry and the dental recovery plan.1 Type: conclusion | Number: …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

The NAO report reflects this last point, finding that in 2022–23 £479 million was recovered from dental contracts where practices had not delivered the full amount of care that they had been contracted for.17

The NAO report reflects this last point, finding that in 2022–23 £479 million was recovered from dental contracts where practices had not delivered the full amount of care that they had been contracted for.17 Type: conclusion | Number: 9 | …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

DHSC told us that issues with NHS dentistry pre–date the 2006 contract, and that with any change since the 1990s, “things have got worse”.18 DHSC began attempts at contract reform in 2010, testing changes through a prototype programme which combined payment by activity with a fixed amount paid per registered patient. Further prototype contracts ran between 2016 and 2019, but these arrangements ended in 2022 with DHSC concluding that the prototype had led to reductions in access and activity.1...

DHSC told us that issues with NHS dentistry pre–date the 2006 contract, and that with any change since the 1990s, “things have got worse”.18 DHSC began attempts at contract reform in 2010, testing changes through a prototype programme which combined …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

The new government’s commitment to contract reform includes reference to a focus on prevention,27 and also to a programme of supervised toothbrushing for three, four, and five–year olds “most in need”.28 Tooth decay is a leading cause of hospital admissions for children in this country,29 and as DHSC told us in the session, prevention is preferable to needing treatment from a dentist.30 Strengthening preventative oral healthcare measures is an important accompaniment to ensuring access to den...

The new government’s commitment to contract reform includes reference to a focus on prevention,27 and also to a programme of supervised toothbrushing for three, four, and five–year olds “most in need”.28 Tooth decay is a leading cause of hospital admissions …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

The 2024 dental recovery plan included four headline initiatives, which aimed to provide an additional 1.5 million courses of treatment at a cost of £200 million in 2024–25.34 Funding for these initiatives would be drawn from anticipated underspends in the 2024–25 dental budget.35 These initiatives were: • the new patient premium (NPP): in 2024–25, participating practices could receive a credit of UDAs equivalent to £15 or £50 for each eligible new patient they saw (depending on the complexit...

The 2024 dental recovery plan included four headline initiatives, which aimed to provide an additional 1.5 million courses of treatment at a cost of £200 million in 2024–25.34 Funding for these initiatives would be drawn from anticipated underspends in the …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

The NAO’s report found that the plan was not on track to deliver the expected number of additional courses of treatment.37 When the report was published in November 2024: • fewer new patients had been treated under the NPP than in the equivalent period in the previous year; • no data was available on the UDA uplift; 38 • only one ‘golden hello’ dentist had been appointed; and • mobile dental vans had been abandoned as a national initiative and left for local commissioners to procure if they w...

The NAO’s report found that the plan was not on track to deliver the expected number of additional courses of treatment.37 When the report was published in November 2024: • fewer new patients had been treated under the NPP than …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

At our session in February 2025 DHSC acknowledged that whilst the concept behind the initiatives were “entirely reasonable” the initiatives in the plan had ultimately not been successful, and that one—the new patient premium—”clearly failed”.40 NHSE also agreed that the plan had been unsuccessful but noted that overall UDA delivery for 2024–25 is on track to be about 1% higher than 2023–24, which NHSE felt was “in line” with increases in previous years.41 The NAO report, however, found that D...

At our session in February 2025 DHSC acknowledged that whilst the concept behind the initiatives were “entirely reasonable” the initiatives in the plan had ultimately not been successful, and that one—the new patient premium—”clearly failed”.40 NHSE also agreed that the …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

NHSE did tell us that “roughly 2.7 million new patients” had come through during the year so far, which they claimed was “on track with what we would have expected” based on last year.44 However, DHSC and NHSE published information in February 2025, shortly after our evidence session in the same month, that stated there was a 3% decrease in the number of new patients accessing NHS dentists since the introduction of the NPP, and that the NPP has cost £88 million.45

NHSE did tell us that “roughly 2.7 million new patients” had come through during the year so far, which they claimed was “on track with what we would have expected” based on last year.44 However, DHSC and NHSE published information …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

In terms of the other initiatives, NHSE confirmed that it is too early to say whether the uplift to £28 minimum UDA value has had any impact.46 It said that it will only be after the year end that data will be available on the UDA uplift.47 For ‘golden hellos’, as of February 2025 only 39 (less than 20% of the hoped for 240) ‘golden hello’ dentists had been appointed. NHSE acknowledged that this was a “slightly slower start than we had hoped” but felt that a longer time scale will be needed t...

In terms of the other initiatives, NHSE confirmed that it is too early to say whether the uplift to £28 minimum UDA value has had any impact.46 It said that it will only be after the year end that data …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

The initial announcement of the dental recovery plan claimed that its aim was to “significantly expand access so that everyone who needs to see a dentist will be able to”.51 However, that ambition was never aligned to the actual targets of the plan, as an additional 1.5 million courses of treatment would have left overall delivery in 2024–25 around 2.6 million courses of treatment short of pre–pandemic levels.52 DHSC confirmed this to us, saying that “even had all the aspirations of this plan...

The initial announcement of the dental recovery plan claimed that its aim was to “significantly expand access so that everyone who needs to see a dentist will be able to”.51 However, that ambition was never aligned to the actual targets …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

Shortly before our evidence session in February we received a letter from DHSC and NHSE explaining that an error had been identified in their initial modelling of the dental recovery plan.54 The error related to the cost of the NPP, which NHSE and DHSC had estimated would be £164 million for an additional 1.13 million courses of treatment in 2024–25.55 Their modelling did not, however, account for the cost of the premium for new patients who would have seen an NHS dentist in 2024–25 without t...

Shortly before our evidence session in February we received a letter from DHSC and NHSE explaining that an error had been identified in their initial modelling of the dental recovery plan.54 The error related to the cost of the NPP, …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

The £200 million assumed cost of the dental recovery plan was to be drawn from expected underspends in the dental budget for 2024–25.57 As there was an under–spend of £392 million in 2023–24, NHSE and DHSC said that this additional cost would be affordable within the overall dental budget, and was not material to the delivery of the plan.58

The £200 million assumed cost of the dental recovery plan was to be drawn from expected underspends in the dental budget for 2024–25.57 As there was an under–spend of £392 million in 2023–24, NHSE and DHSC said that this additional …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

Given this error, NHSE assured us that additional analytical resources would be put in place for the dental service, which would in future be designated a “business–critical model”.59 We were told that there had been 51 DHSC, Faster, simpler and fairer: our plan to recover and reform NHS dentistry, published 7 February 2024 52 C&AG’s Report, para 12 53 Q 57 54 Letter from the Interim Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Care and the Chief Executive Officer at NHS England...

Given this error, NHSE assured us that additional analytical resources would be put in place for the dental service, which would in future be designated a “business–critical model”.59 We were told that there had been 51 DHSC, Faster, simpler and …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

Responsibility for commissioning dental services was delegated to integrated care boards (ICBs) in April 2023.62 Within the national dental contractual framework, ICBs have some flexibilities that NHSE says should help them to tailor services to meet specific population needs.63 This includes the ability to commission additional services, and to support practices that receive lower payments for each UDA they deliver. The NAO’s report outlines how some ICBs have used these flexibilities, for e...

Responsibility for commissioning dental services was delegated to integrated care boards (ICBs) in April 2023.62 Within the national dental contractual framework, ICBs have some flexibilities that NHSE says should help them to tailor services to meet specific population needs.63 This …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

The dental recovery plan’s four main initiatives were centrally planned by NHSE and DHSC with instructions given to commissioners as to how to carry them out.65 The plan’s delivery, therefore, was heavily reliant on ICBs implementing these initiatives at a local level and delivery by dental practices. The NAO’s report notes that ICB’s had “mixed experiences” of engaging with NHSE and DHSC, and that while some met with the national team to discuss local initiatives and any overlap with the pro...

The dental recovery plan’s four main initiatives were centrally planned by NHSE and DHSC with instructions given to commissioners as to how to carry them out.65 The plan’s delivery, therefore, was heavily reliant on ICBs implementing these initiatives at a …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

The idea of identifying ICBs to commission mobile dental vans seems a particular example of an ineffective interaction between a national policy and an appropriate measure on the ground. NHSE and DHSC identified twelve ICBs to deliver the initiative,69 but none of these ICBs have since chosen to invest in a dental van.70 DHSC acknowledged that ICBs know their own “patches” the best, and that allowing them to use that knowledge to decide on the best way to provide dental service would be prefe...

The idea of identifying ICBs to commission mobile dental vans seems a particular example of an ineffective interaction between a national policy and an appropriate measure on the ground. NHSE and DHSC identified twelve ICBs to deliver the initiative,69 but …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

Under the current NHS dental contract, dentists are contracted to deliver a certain number of Units of Dental Activity (UDAs). Based on current treatment bands, there are six different levels of UDAs that a treatment can attract depending on the complexity of the treatment. Simple treatment such as a regular check–up counts as one UDA whereas the most complicated treatments, such as crowns and dentures, count for 12 UDAs.75

Under the current NHS dental contract, dentists are contracted to deliver a certain number of Units of Dental Activity (UDAs). Based on current treatment bands, there are six different levels of UDAs that a treatment can attract depending on the …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

UDA payment rates are not however, uniform across the country with evidence submitted by the British Dental Association suggesting, for example, that the average UDA rate in North East London ICB is more than £7 greater than the average rate in Lincolnshire ICB.76 Government took the decision in 2022 to introduce a minimum UDA value of £23, with NHSE telling us that this decision did lead to some “slight improvements in activity”.77 As part of the dental recovery plan, NHSE and DHSC agreed to...

UDA payment rates are not however, uniform across the country with evidence submitted by the British Dental Association suggesting, for example, that the average UDA rate in North East London ICB is more than £7 greater than the average rate …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

DHSC told us that even with these uplifts to UDA rates, there is still a large gap between what dentists are earning through NHS work compared with the larger amounts they can make in the private sector.80 It described this as the “fundamental problem” facing NHS dentistry and commented that it was perfectly reasonable for dentists to choose to go down private routes 75 C&AG’s Report, Figure 1 76 FND0007, see page 3 77 Q 26 78 C&AG’s Report, Figure 11 and para 2.10 79 Q 26 80 Q 13 17 given th...

DHSC told us that even with these uplifts to UDA rates, there is still a large gap between what dentists are earning through NHS work compared with the larger amounts they can make in the private sector.80 It described this …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

There is also a clear sense that UDA rates do not sufficiently distinguish between the different levels of complexity and cost attached to various treatments. This is despite the government decision in 2022 to split up band 2 treatments into three separate bands each attracting a different number of UDAs. This was in acknowledgement of the fact that there are different costs associated with, for example, treating someone for one filling compared with performing molar endodontics on permanent ...

There is also a clear sense that UDA rates do not sufficiently distinguish between the different levels of complexity and cost attached to various treatments. This is despite the government decision in 2022 to split up band 2 treatments into …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

DHSC and NHSE have begun some strands of work that might usefully improve the workforce situation if they are fully implemented. For example, there is a commitment in the NHS long–term workforce plan to increase training places for dentists by 40% by 2031–32.95 There was also a consultation put out last year proposing a tie–in period for dental graduates, ensuring that where graduates have benefited from taxpayer subsidies through their training, they then give back to the NHS for at a minimu...

DHSC and NHSE have begun some strands of work that might usefully improve the workforce situation if they are fully implemented. For example, there is a commitment in the NHS long–term workforce plan to increase training places for dentists by …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

Alongside ensuring that there are sufficient numbers of dentists and that they are equitably spread across the country, NHSE also told us that there is a cultural shift for the public in terms of their relationship with a dental practice, rather than with a set individual providing care. NHSE said that part of its package of changes in 2022 was aimed at tackling the “misapprehension that other members of dental teams cannot deliver a course of treatment”. It claimed that these changes have le...

Alongside ensuring that there are sufficient numbers of dentists and that they are equitably spread across the country, NHSE also told us that there is a cultural shift for the public in terms of their relationship with a dental practice, …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
4 Apr 2025 | Written evidence linked

In the written evidence submitted to our inquiry, concerns included that: • UDA rates are linked to the figures used in 2006 which no longer reflect current need.13 Rates vary from practice to practice so dentists in the same location may be paid different amounts for the same work; 14 • the contract is rooted in ineffective incentives that make it easier to complete targets by seeing patients with lower levels of need, while making high–needs patients the least “welcome”; 15 and • the overal...

In the written evidence submitted to our inquiry, concerns included that: • UDA rates are linked to the figures used in 2006 which no longer reflect current need.13 Rates vary from practice to practice so dentists in the same location …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
11 Mar 2025 | Announcement Department of Health and Social Care linked

Dental Patient Charges Uplift 2025/26

UIN: HCWS512 The Government’s ambition is to make sure that everyone who needs a dentist can get one. On Friday 21 February 2025, we launched the rollout of the extra 700,000 urgent dental appointments promised by the Government in its …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓
11 Mar 2025 | Announcement Department of Health and Social Care linked

Dental Patient Charges Uplift 2025/26

UIN: HLWS508 My Honourable Friend the Minister of State for Care (Stephen Kinnock MP) has made the following statement:The Government’s ambition is to make sure that everyone who needs a dentist can get one. On Friday 21 February 2025, we …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓

2024

14 events
27 Nov 2024 | Research Department of Health and Social Care linked

Investigation into the NHS dental recovery plan

The dental recovery plan, launched in February 2024, is unlikely deliver an additional 1.5 million treatments by March 2025. Report type: value_for_money | Departments: ['Department of Health and Social Care'] | Topics: ['Health and social care', 'NHS']

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
23 May 2024 | Announcement Department of Health and Social Care linked

Dentistry Update

UIN: HCWS499 On 7 February 2024 the government published our report: Faster, simpler and fairer: our plan to recover and reform NHS dentistry, to accelerate the recovery of NHS dentistry from the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan will fund up to …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓
23 May 2024 | Announcement Department of Health and Social Care linked

Dentistry Update

UIN: HLWS497 My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister for Public Health, Start for Life and Primary Care (Andrea Leadsom MP) has made the following Written Statement:On 7 February 2024 the government published our report: Faster, simpler and fairer: our plan …

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28 Mar 2024 | Consultation outcome Department of Health and Social Care linked

Use of exemptions by dental hygienists and dental therapists — outcome published

This consultation will inform the government’s proposal to enable dental hygienists and dental therapists to supply and administer medicines under exemptions.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Proposal to enable dental hygienists and dental…
+2 more
↓ Impact assessment on the proposal to enable dental hygienis… (18pp) ↓ Proposal to enable dental hygienists and dental therapists …
7 Mar 2024 | Announcement Department of Health and Social Care linked

Dental Patient Charges Uplift 24/25

UIN: HCWS317 The Department recently published “Our plan to recover and reform NHS dentistry”, which will make dental services faster, simpler and fairer to patients and will fund around 2.5 million additional appointments (or more than 1.5 million additional courses …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓
7 Mar 2024 | Announcement Department of Health and Social Care linked

Dental Patient Charges Uplift 24/25

UIN: HLWS314 My Rt. Hon Friend, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Public Health, Start for Life and Primary Care) (Andrea Leadsom MP), made the folllowing Written Statement:The Department recently published “Our plan to recover and reform NHS …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓

2023

25 events
14 Dec 2023 | Debate Department of Health and Social Care linked

Oral health strategy for children

That this House notes that tooth decay is one of the most common causes of hospital admission in young children, despite the fact that it is a largely preventable disease; expresses concern that, according to Government statistics, as of 2022, …

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15 Sep 2023 | Consultation outcome Department of Health and Social Care linked

Use of exemptions by dental hygienists and dental therapists — consultation closed

This consultation will inform the government’s proposal to enable dental hygienists and dental therapists to supply and administer medicines under exemptions.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Proposal to enable dental hygienists and dental…
+2 more
↓ Impact assessment on the proposal to enable dental hygienis… (18pp) ↓ Proposal to enable dental hygienists and dental therapists …
18 Aug 2023 | Consultation outcome Department of Health and Social Care linked

Use of exemptions by dental hygienists and dental therapists — consultation opened

This consultation will inform the government’s proposal to enable dental hygienists and dental therapists to supply and administer medicines under exemptions.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Proposal to enable dental hygienists and dental…
+2 more
↓ Impact assessment on the proposal to enable dental hygienis… (18pp) ↓ Proposal to enable dental hygienists and dental therapists …
14 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

We believe there is a crisis of access in NHS dentistry. Many people are unable to access an NHS dentist or are travelling significant distances to get to one. Access varies across the country and is being experienced unequally by different groups. We believe everyone should be able to access an NHS dentist when they need one, wherever they live.

We believe there is a crisis of access in NHS dentistry. Many people are unable to access an NHS dentist or are travelling significant distances to get to one. Access varies across the country and is being experienced unequally by …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
14 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

We welcome the Government’s ambition for everyone who needs an NHS dentist to be able to access one. This ambition must ensure access within a reasonable timeframe and a reasonable distance. The Government must set out how they intend to realise this ambition and what the timeline will be for delivery. It is vital that this ambition is the central tenet of the Government’s forthcoming dental recovery plan. Once the plan has been published, we will revisit the recommendations in this report to...

We welcome the Government’s ambition for everyone who needs an NHS dentist to be able to access one. This ambition must ensure access within a reasonable timeframe and a reasonable distance. The Government must set out how they intend to …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
14 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

A lack of public awareness about NHS dental services and how practices operate is contributing to access issues. The Government and NHS England should roll-out a patient information campaign with the aim of improving awareness of how NHS dentistry will work and ensure the public are better informed about what they are entitled to. This should clarify common misconceptions, for example, about patient registration, recall periods, and NHS dental charges and exemptions.

A lack of public awareness about NHS dental services and how practices operate is contributing to access issues. The Government and NHS England should roll-out a patient information campaign with the aim of improving awareness of how NHS dentistry will …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
14 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

We welcome the fact that to try and address the underspend, NHS England is applying a ringfence for 2023/24, to ensure that no ICB can divert funding away from NHS dentistry. We recommend that this ringfence applies permanently, and NHS England puts in place transparent scrutiny to ensure compliance.

We welcome the fact that to try and address the underspend, NHS England is applying a ringfence for 2023/24, to ensure that no ICB can divert funding away from NHS dentistry. We recommend that this ringfence applies permanently, and NHS …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
14 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

Fundamental reform of the dental contract is essential and must be urgently implemented, not only to address the crisis of access in the short-term, but to ensure a more sustainable, equitable and prevention-focussed system for the future. We are concerned that any further delay will lead to more dentists leaving the NHS and exacerbate the issues patients are experiencing with accessing services. (Paragraph 50) 34 NHS dentistry

Fundamental reform of the dental contract is essential and must be urgently implemented, not only to address the crisis of access in the short-term, but to ensure a more sustainable, equitable and prevention-focussed system for the future. We are concerned …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
14 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

We believe patient registration under a reformed capitation-based contract will better enable those patients who currently can’t access a dentist to be able to do so.

We believe patient registration under a reformed capitation-based contract will better enable those patients who currently can’t access a dentist to be able to do so. Type: conclusion | Number: 9 | Paragraph: 54 | Response status: partially_accepted Government response: …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
14 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

We uphold the recommendation from our predecessors’ 2008 report into Dental Services, that the Department should reinstate the requirement for patients to be registered with an NHS dentist. (Paragraph 55) Workforce

We uphold the recommendation from our predecessors’ 2008 report into Dental Services, that the Department should reinstate the requirement for patients to be registered with an NHS dentist. (Paragraph 55) Workforce Type: conclusion | Number: 10 | Response status: under_consideration …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
14 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

The Government states that the number of NHS dentists has increased over the past year. However, while the headcount has gone up over the past year, it has gone down over the past three years, and moreover headcount alone does not reflect how much NHS work these dentists are undertaking. We heard repeatedly that a lack of dentists and dental care professionals undertaking NHS work is the main driver behind both lack of access to appointments for patients, and the underspend in primary care de...

The Government states that the number of NHS dentists has increased over the past year. However, while the headcount has gone up over the past year, it has gone down over the past three years, and moreover headcount alone does …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
14 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

Any contract reform now will almost certainly be too late for those dentists who have already left the NHS or are considering doing so in the near future. The Government must urgently introduce incentives to attract and retain dentists to undertake NHS work. These should include, but not be limited to, the reintroduction of NHS commitment payments, incentive payments for audit and peer review, and the introduction of late career retention payments. The development of a careers framework shoul...

Any contract reform now will almost certainly be too late for those dentists who have already left the NHS or are considering doing so in the near future. The Government must urgently introduce incentives to attract and retain dentists to …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
14 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

We support the implementation of the work of the Advancing Dental Care Review. Centres for Dental Development could have the potential to change how we approach training dentists in the UK to meet the needs of the populations who most require care. However, these are in their early stages and their outputs will need to be assessed. We also recognise that incentives are required in the short-term to address the immediate challenges with supply and demand.

We support the implementation of the work of the Advancing Dental Care Review. Centres for Dental Development could have the potential to change how we approach training dentists in the UK to meet the needs of the populations who most …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
14 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

The backlog of applications for the Overseas Registration Exam is unacceptable and resolving this represents an opportunity in the short term to increase the number of dentists working in the NHS, and therefore create more appointments to enable patients to access much-needed services.

The backlog of applications for the Overseas Registration Exam is unacceptable and resolving this represents an opportunity in the short term to increase the number of dentists working in the NHS, and therefore create more appointments to enable patients to …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
14 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

We are concerned that the absence of explicit mention of the dental contract in the Long Term Workforce Plan reflects the lack of priority given by the Government and NHS England to contract reform. We believe it indicates a lack of recognition of the urgent need for reform before any other workforce initiatives can be implemented.

We are concerned that the absence of explicit mention of the dental contract in the Long Term Workforce Plan reflects the lack of priority given by the Government and NHS England to contract reform. We believe it indicates a lack …

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14 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

Given the varying views expressed regarding a tie-in for new graduates into NHS dentistry, we urge NHS England and the Government to ensure full consultation with professionals and representative bodies, as they seek to explore the potential merit of such a policy, although its success depends on fundamental contract reform, and should be accompanied with a careers framework. (Paragraph 92) Integrated Care Systems

Given the varying views expressed regarding a tie-in for new graduates into NHS dentistry, we urge NHS England and the Government to ensure full consultation with professionals and representative bodies, as they seek to explore the potential merit of such …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
14 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

The dental profession should be represented on Integrated Care Boards to ensure they have the necessary expertise to inform decision-making around contracting and flexible commissioning. This should include wider engagement with the profession locally, for example through Local Dental Committees and Local Dental Networks.

The dental profession should be represented on Integrated Care Boards to ensure they have the necessary expertise to inform decision-making around contracting and flexible commissioning. This should include wider engagement with the profession locally, for example through Local Dental Committees …

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14 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

We welcome the initiatives outlined by the Chief Dental Officer to help ICBs commission dental services in a way that best meets the needs of their local populations. NHS 36 NHS dentistry England should provide evidence of the effectiveness of these initiatives, so that ICBs can see for themselves which options they could most usefully pursue and best practice is spread.

We welcome the initiatives outlined by the Chief Dental Officer to help ICBs commission dental services in a way that best meets the needs of their local populations. NHS 36 NHS dentistry England should provide evidence of the effectiveness of …

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14 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

In light of the current national contracting arrangements, NHS England must provide clarity to ICBs about what flexibilities they have with regard to commissioning NHS dental services and targeting resources according to the needs of their populations.

In light of the current national contracting arrangements, NHS England must provide clarity to ICBs about what flexibilities they have with regard to commissioning NHS dental services and targeting resources according to the needs of their populations. Type: conclusion | …

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14 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

ICBs have been delegated responsibility for commissioning dental services by NHS England. They offer an opportunity to improve access locally, better integrate services around patients and address inequalities.

ICBs have been delegated responsibility for commissioning dental services by NHS England. They offer an opportunity to improve access locally, better integrate services around patients and address inequalities. Type: conclusion | Number: 25 | Paragraph: 121 | Response status: not_addressed …

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14 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

By the end of July 2024, every ICB should have undertaken an oral health needs assessment, in consultation with service users, patient organisations and the profession. NHS England should provide support to ICBs to undertake this, including sharing examples of best practice and learnings from other ICBs. NHS England must also ensure each assessment is sufficient to meet its intended purpose. (Paragraph 122) NHS dentistry 37

By the end of July 2024, every ICB should have undertaken an oral health needs assessment, in consultation with service users, patient organisations and the profession. NHS England should provide support to ICBs to undertake this, including sharing examples of …

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27 Mar 2023 | Announcement Department of Health and Social Care Context · primary home: Dentistry in England linked

Health Update

UIN: HCWS676 The National Health Service (Dental Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (“the Amendment Regulations”) will be laid before Parliament to increase National Health Service dental patient charges in England from 24 April 2023.NHS dental patient charges prov...

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27 Mar 2023 | Announcement Department of Health and Social Care linked

Health Update

UIN: HLWS663 My Hon Friend the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Primary Care and Public Health) (Neil O'Brien) has made the following written statement:The National Health Service (Dental Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (“the Amendment Regula...

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2022

4 events
25 Jul 2022 | Committee report linked

The current UDA-contract system is not fit for purpose, and urgent reform is needed to boost recruitment and retention in NHS dental services. We will return to this issue in a forthcoming inquiry into dental services.

The current UDA-contract system is not fit for purpose, and urgent reform is needed to boost recruitment and retention in NHS dental services. We will return to this issue in a forthcoming inquiry into dental services. Type: conclusion | Number: …

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19 Jul 2022 | Announcement Department of Health and Social Care linked

Dental System Improvement

UIN: HCWS223 Access to dentistry was severely impacted by the pandemic. The government provided unprecedented financial support to the sector during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that practices remained viable and able to offer treatment during the pandemic and to …

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19 Jul 2022 | Announcement Department of Health and Social Care linked

Dental System Improvement

UIN: HLWS221 My Hon Friend the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Patient Safety and Primary Care) (James Morris) has made the following Written Statement:Access to dentistry was severely impacted by the pandemic. The government provided unprecedente...

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6 Jan 2022 | Committee report linked

We again recommend that the Care Quality Commission includes consultation with patient groups and details of patient outcomes in its assessment of ICSs. (Paragraph 68) Funding and policies to tackle the backlog

We again recommend that the Care Quality Commission includes consultation with patient groups and details of patient outcomes in its assessment of ICSs. (Paragraph 68) Funding and policies to tackle the backlog Type: conclusion | Number: 12 | Response status: …

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2020

3 events
23 Nov 2020 | Announcement Department of Health and Social Care linked

Dental Patient Charge Uplift 2020/21

UIN: HCWS593 The National Health Service (Dental Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (“the Amendment Regulations”) will be laid before Parliament to increase National Health Service dental patient charges in England from 14th December 2020.This is the fifth and fina...

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23 Nov 2020 | Announcement Department of Health and Social Care linked

Dental Patient Charge Uplift 2020/21

UIN: HLWS585 My Hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Prevention, Public Health and Primary Care) (Jo Churchill) has made the following written statement:The National Health Service (Dental Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (“the Am...

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1 Oct 2020 | Committee report linked

We further conclude that the delivery of dental services in England has been significantly hindered by the pandemic. This has been largely due to the need to protect both patients and staff from COVID-19 which has, in turn, presented financial challenges to both NHS and private dental practices. We welcome NHSE/ I’s continued efforts to support the restoration of dentistry services in England.

We further conclude that the delivery of dental services in England has been significantly hindered by the pandemic. This has been largely due to the need to protect both patients and staff from COVID-19 which has, in turn, presented financial …

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2019

1 event

2015

2 events
18 Nov 2015 | Consultation outcome Department of Health and Social Care linked

Measures to improve the GDC’s processes on fitness to practise — outcome published

Proposals to give the General Dental Council (GDC) greater flexibility when conducting an investigation into a dental professional’s practice.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ The General Dental Council – proposed amendment… (23pp)
+3 more
↓ The General Dental Council (Fitness to Practise etc.) Order… (6pp) ↓ GDC: proposed amendments to enhance the effectiveness and e… (26pp) ↓ Equality analysis (23pp)
15 Jan 2015 | Consultation outcome Department of Health and Social Care linked

Improving dentistry — outcome published

This engagement exercise seeks views on changing dental contractual system to focus on improving oral health through prevention and increasing access

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Paper 1: overview (10pp)
+5 more
↓ Paper 2: the clinical philosophy (27pp) ↓ Paper 3: the measurement of quality and outcomes (11pp) ↓ Paper 4: the remuneration approach (10pp) ↓ Dental contract reform engagement exercise: detailed findin… (89pp) ↓ Dental contract reform engagement exercise: appendix (312pp)

2014

4 events
21 Nov 2014 | Consultation outcome Department of Health and Social Care linked

Measures to improve the GDC’s processes on fitness to practise — consultation closed

Proposals to give the General Dental Council (GDC) greater flexibility when conducting an investigation into a dental professional’s practice.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ The General Dental Council – proposed amendment… (23pp)
+3 more
↓ The General Dental Council (Fitness to Practise etc.) Order… (6pp) ↓ GDC: proposed amendments to enhance the effectiveness and e… (26pp) ↓ Equality analysis (23pp)
26 Sep 2014 | Consultation outcome Department of Health and Social Care linked

Measures to improve the GDC’s processes on fitness to practise — consultation opened

Proposals to give the General Dental Council (GDC) greater flexibility when conducting an investigation into a dental professional’s practice.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ The General Dental Council – proposed amendment… (23pp)
+3 more
↓ The General Dental Council (Fitness to Practise etc.) Order… (6pp) ↓ GDC: proposed amendments to enhance the effectiveness and e… (26pp) ↓ Equality analysis (23pp)
31 Jul 2014 | Consultation outcome Department of Health and Social Care linked

Improving dentistry — consultation closed

This engagement exercise seeks views on changing dental contractual system to focus on improving oral health through prevention and increasing access

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Paper 1: overview (10pp)
+5 more
↓ Paper 2: the clinical philosophy (27pp) ↓ Paper 3: the measurement of quality and outcomes (11pp) ↓ Paper 4: the remuneration approach (10pp) ↓ Dental contract reform engagement exercise: detailed findin… (89pp) ↓ Dental contract reform engagement exercise: appendix (312pp)
6 Jun 2014 | Consultation outcome Department of Health and Social Care linked

Improving dentistry — consultation opened

This engagement exercise seeks views on changing dental contractual system to focus on improving oral health through prevention and increasing access

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Paper 1: overview (10pp)
+5 more
↓ Paper 2: the clinical philosophy (27pp) ↓ Paper 3: the measurement of quality and outcomes (11pp) ↓ Paper 4: the remuneration approach (10pp) ↓ Dental contract reform engagement exercise: detailed findin… (89pp) ↓ Dental contract reform engagement exercise: appendix (312pp)