The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) has opened a consultation on proposed changes to the NHS dental contract.
The NHS dental contract quality and payment reforms 2026 are a significant and essential step to improve access to and the quality of NHS dentistry.
The proposed changes have been developed following engagement with the profession. They aim to:
- improve access for those requiring urgent care
- enhance treatment pathways for complex cases
- deliver better preventative care for children
This includes:
- shifting away from the unit of dental activity (UDA) system towards a more balanced approach prioritising patient needs and professional fulfilment
- creating fairer funding for complex treatments
- developing new clinical pathways that integrate prevention and treatment.
These changes should also help practices use the full dental team effectively while focusing resources where they’re most needed.
The consultation will close at 11.59pm on 19 August 2025. Staff in NHS dentistry, commissioners, patients and organisations with experience in the dental sector are encouraged to submit their feedback.
If you have query about the consultation, contact: dentistrycontract2026@dhsc.gov.uk.
