How UK government’s plan for change will reshape NHS dentistry
In December 2024, the UK government unveiled its 'Plan for Change', outlining key priorities for the nation’s future, with a particular emphasis on building an NHS that’s ‘fit for the future’. Although the plan was initially met with criticism from the British Dental Association (BDA) for its lack of focus on dentistry, the government has since announced several key measures that aim to address the long-standing challenges in NHS dental care.
Key missions of the 'Plan for Change'
The government's Plan for Change focuses on five overarching goals:
- Kickstart economic growth
- Build an NHS fit for the future
- Ensure safer streets
- Break down barriers to opportunity
- Make Britain a clean energy superpower
As part of this initiative, the government set specific milestones, including a significant healthcare objective: ‘Ending hospital backlogs to meet the NHS standard of 92% of patients waiting no longer than 18 weeks for elective treatment.’ While the plan received mixed reviews, particularly from the dental profession, recent announcements suggest that change is on the horizon for NHS dentistry.
Urgent dental appointments: Tackling unmet needs
In a bid to address the ongoing access issues, the government announced a major initiative to provide 700,000 new urgent dental appointments starting in April 2025. These appointments will primarily focus on areas of the country with the greatest NHS dental shortages, known as ‘dental deserts’. For instance, areas like Norfolk and Waveney, which have far fewer NHS dentists per capita than the national average, will be prioritized.
Patients can access these appointments by contacting their local dental practice or through NHS 111, should they be without a regular dentist. This initiative follows the Labour Party’s election promise to increase dental accessibility and comes as part of the broader Plan for Change.
Addressing dentistry’s challenges: Government, industry responses
The dental profession’s response has been a mix of cautious optimism and concern. While the additional urgent appointments have been welcomed, many dental professionals, such as Shiv Pabary from the BDA, point out that the initiative may only offer two additional appointments per month for each NHS dentist. This, they argue, is not enough to address the deep-rooted challenges within the NHS dental system.
Neil Carmichael, Executive Chair of the Association of Dental Groups (ADG), echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the mixed economy structure—where dental practices rely on both NHS and private funding—has created an unsustainable environment for dental care providers. He stressed that without proper reform and increased funding, it will be difficult to make meaningful progress.
Supervised toothbrushing: A preventive strategy for children
Another key development under the Plan for Change is the introduction of a supervised toothbrushing scheme in schools and nurseries, which aims to improve the oral health of children in the most deprived areas of the UK. With £11 million in funding, this initiative is expected to reach up to 600,000 children annually and could save the NHS up to £34 million over the next five years by reducing the need for more costly dental treatments.
The scheme has met some resistance from educators, who argue that it should not be their responsibility to ensure that children brush their teeth every day. However, the government clarified that the scheme would take place outside lesson time, primarily within fully-funded breakfast clubs.
While some professionals, like Eddie Crouch from the BDA, have praised the scheme as a tried and tested method to reduce tooth decay, others, such as John Makin of the Dental Defence Union, remain concerned that it does not fully address the underlying reasons why dental professionals are stepping away from NHS services.
Expanding water fluoridation: A proven oral health strategy
In line with its oral health strategy, the government is also expanding water fluoridation across the north east of England, a move that will benefit 1.6 million additional people. Water fluoridation has long been a topic of debate, but many dental professionals see it as an effective measure in reducing tooth decay. The British Fluoridation Society has strongly supported this initiative, with Secretary Ray Lowry highlighting the stark differences in oral health between fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas.
Freezing prescription charges: A step towards making healthcare more affordable
In a related move, the government announced in May 2025 that it would freeze prescription charges for the first time in three years, keeping the cost at £9.90. This decision is expected to save patients £18 million within a year and is part of a broader effort to ease the financial burden on working people.
NHS 10-year health plan: Long-term changes for dentistry
The government has also rolled out its NHS 10-Year Health Plan, which outlines several changes that directly impact dentistry. These include:
- A compulsory three-year NHS tie-in for dental graduates
- The incorporation of dental professionals into Neighbourhood Health Services
- Reform of the NHS dental contract
- Expansion of the scope of dental nursing
- Greater focus on preventive care for children
Additionally, the government has announced the termination of skilled worker visas for dental technicians, dental hygienists, and dental nurses, which could have significant implications for staffing levels in NHS dental practices.
Conclusion: The path ahead for UK dentistry
While the Plan for Change has sparked some debate, there is no denying that it marks a step forward in addressing the ongoing crisis in NHS dentistry. The focus on urgent appointments, preventive care for children, and the expansion of water fluoridation are all positive moves towards improving access to dental care and reducing the burden on the NHS. However, many in the dental profession argue that more substantial reforms are needed to truly transform the system and ensure that patients receive the care they deserve.
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