All the latest dentistry news, all in one place.

Our dental news feed will be regularly updated to help you stay informed and keep up-to-date with everything that's happening in the industry.

Breathing techniques to beat stress in dentistry

Christopher Paul Jones shares how to harness the power of your breath to cope with stress and anxiety in dentistry.

Plan for change: how is NHS dentistry being fixed?

The government’s plan for change promises an ‘NHS fit for the future’ – we explore how the plan will impact dentistry in the UK.

NHS dental access: latest statistics revealed

Only one fifth of patients who tried to get an NHS dental appointment in the last month were successful, a new government survey found. Around half of those surveyed (53.2%) used NHS dental services. A…

Registered dental therapists up by nearly 25% while technicians decline

The total number of dental professionals registered by the General Dental Council (GDC) has increased according to newly-released statistics. The regulator’s Registration Statistical Report for 2024 showed a total of 125,736 on the register at the end…

Mental Health NHS COVID-19 Dental Health Practice Management Regulation Dental Profession Finance

NI – Dentists to ‘shrink NHS element’ to ‘keep the lights on’

Dentists will have to reduce the NHS elements of their practice due to the hike in National Insurance contributions (NICs) this month, the Chair of the Northern Ireland Dental Practice Committee has warned. Read more

Oral Health Foundation rails against NHS charges

Independent charity the Oral Health Foundation has launched a stinging attack on the latest increase in NHS dental charges which took effect at the beginning of the month. Read more

BDA Wales: Hard to follow: A consultation on a new unnegotiated contract

The model for a new General Dental Services contract is now published. We will of course give a full and informed response as to whether it meets the specific needs of patients and the profession. But at the outset, we need to be totally frank with our members: this model is NOT a… Read more

BDA backs call that ‘tweaks’ can’t save NHS dentistry

The British Dental Association has called on Government to heed the call of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), and deliver fundamental reform of NHS dentistry, underpinned by sustainable funding. Read more

Man forced to drive 1,000 miles for NHS dental care

A man from Cornwall reportedly drove for more than 10 hours for an NHS dental appointment in Scotland after searching nearby for years. Read more

BDA ponders whether reform can end crisis in Wales

Responding to the launch of the consultation on reform of NHS dentistry the British Dental Association Cymru has said it will be reaching out to dentists across Wales get the clearest picture from the frontline. Read more

BDA: “We’re not all in this together” – Treasury’s dental cuts leave £1.5bn hole in budget

With dental charges set to rise again this April, new analysis shows that had past governments linked hikes in dental patient charges to increases in state spending, England would by now have the basis for universal access to NHS dental care. Read more

NHS satisfaction levels revealed

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published data on public access and satisfaction of NHS services in England. The data is the eighth in the ONS’ series looking at adults’ experiences of local dentistry, GP, and pharmacy services. The analysis relates to self-reported data collected during the period between… Read more

Keir Starmer to abolish NHS England: the dental profession reacts

Prime minister Keir Starmer has announced he will abolish NHS England, the administrator managing the health service, as experts warn of the ‘critical’ impact on dentistry. NHS England will be brought into the government to avoid duplication of jobs across the two organisations, resulting in a 50% reduction in staff. Read more

Charges to rise: more stealth cuts from the Treasury

The latest increase in NHS patient charges have landed, another round of ‘stealth cuts’ that will not put a penny into the cash-strapped service. Read more

Planned 50% cut to health staff could ‘critically undermine’ dentistry, experts warn

NHS England and government health staff will be reduced by 50% as part of a restructuring that will give the government greater control over the health service. Around 6,500 jobs may be at risk across NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). Read more

Government meeting less than 1/3 of unmet need for urgent care

Following a string of reports of DIY dentistry, and death - or near death - experiences from dental infections, we’ve found that government discovered demand for urgent care of 2.2 million but covered less than a third of it. Read more

Exclusive: care minister slates ‘Dickensian’ childhood extraction figures

Almost 50,000 children aged 0 to 19 had a tooth extraction in NHS hospitals last financial year, according to newly-released data. Read more

‘There could be no NHS dentists in two years’

A dentist says he feels "strangled" by NHS contracts and believes NHS dentists may not exist in two years' time. Read more

English dentists ‘walking away’ from NHS work as fees fail to cover costs

A growing “exodus” of dentists willing to provide care on the NHS threatens to exacerbate the crisis in patients’ access to treatment, the profession’s leaders have said. Read more

More than 100 patients queue for NHS dental access at Bristol practice

A dental practice in Bristol drew a queue of more than 100 people as it announced it would be taking on more NHS patients. Read more

How does NHS dental access compare across England?

Access to NHS dentistry is uneven across England, according to new data analysing A&E visits, staff turnover and access to dentists. There were around 26.2 full-time equivalent (FTE) dentists per 100,000 people in England as of March 2024. The east of England (24.3) and the south west (24.4) recorded the lowest… Read more

Funding stalls for NHS dentistry, dental leaders warn

Following a ‘damning’ report into NHS funding, dental leaders have urged the government to ‘put its money where its mouth is’ and fix NHS dentistry. Read more

Millions have not seen a dentist in more than two years

Analysis of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) ‘Experiences of NHS healthcare services in England’ survey revealed a significant gap in dental care. Read more

NHS patient data may be used for AI training by private companie

The government is considering plans to allow NHS patient data to be used for research and profit by private companies as part of an artificial intelligence (AI) push. Read more

BDA – NHS dentistry: All we want for Christmas is clarity

Dentists in England are set to break for Christmas with no idea about when contractual uplifts will land, what shape support might take for the hike in overheads brought by the recent Budget, and little sense of where promised reform sits on the new Government’s to do list. Read more

Prime minister’s ‘plan for change’ excludes dentistry

Dental experts have criticised prime minister Keir Starmer’s ‘plan for change’, which did not mention the government’s pledges for dentistry. On 5 December, Keir Starmer made a speech laying out the plan for change. It included targets and timelines for many key manifesto pledges, but those about dentistry were not… Read more

Three in four dentists do not enjoy NHS work, survey says

Almost three quarters of NHS dentists and 65% of dental nurses said they do not enjoy working in the NHS. Six in 10 (61%) were also considering doing less NHS work in the next two years, according to the survey. Eight in 10 (81%) said they were expecting to carry… Read more

Up to 96% of practices are not accepting new NHS adult patients

Up to 96% of dental practices in England are unable to take on new adult NHS patients, suggest findings from a new Daily Mirror investigation. Read more

BDA: No real clarity on NI support

The British Dental Association has warned that ongoing ambiguity over whether Government will cover the cost of National Insurance increases for primary care providers will put already fragile services at risk. Read more

BDA- The Budget: “Another nail in the coffin”

A hike in National Insurance (NI) contributions – without needed support - has infuriated dentists, many of whom are already struggling to balance the books. Read more

BDA: Pushing for urgency on reform

We are winning the argument on NHS dentistry: What we need now is a firm timetable. Written by: Shawn Charlwood, Chair, General Dental Practice Committee The Government says it intends to work “quickly” on reform of NHS dentistry. Read more

Six Scottish council areas unable to take on new NHS patients, report says

Six Scottish council areas now have no practices that are taking on new adult NHS patients within three months, new research shows. According to BBC research, only one in every four dental practices across Scotland said they are offering NHS appointments to new patients within that timeframe. Read more

Sexual misconduct: anonymous reporting launched for NHS staff

NHS staff will be able to anonymously report incidents of sexual misconduct as part of new plans to improve safety for staff. Issued to local hospitals, the new framework is available from today (Wednesday 16 October) and outlines how those working in the NHS should recognise, report and act on… Read more

Almost all new patients unable to access NHS dental care

New data shows that up to 97% of new patients who try to access NHS dental care are unsuccessful, prompting calls for the new government to act fast. The Office for National Statistics Experiences of NHS healthcare services in England shows 96.9% of those who do not have a dentist… Read more

Six in 10 NHS patients would consider private care, says report

More than six in 10 (61%) of NHS dental patients would consider paying for private dental care, new research suggests. Read more

Cancer treatment delays triple since 2012

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that one third of cancer patients are waiting longer than the 62-day standard to access treatment. Read more

Wales: Resolution of disputed volumetric target in GDS contract variation

Many practices in the GDS reform programme have been facing an unobtainable 75% target for historic patients and left wondering how to deliver their contract this year. Read more

AI for patient care supported by three quarters of NHS staff

More than three quarters of staff surveyed were in favour of using AI for patient care, while 81% also supported its use for administrative tasks. The public were less positive about artificial intelligence (AI), though more than half (54%) still supported its use in patient care. Six in 10 (61%)… Read more

How can NHS dentistry be fixed?

Following the Labour government’s discussions with dental leaders on how to fix NHS dentistry, we hear some proposed solutions from the dental profession. Read more

Wes Streeting must declare a state of dental emergency, says letter

‘Successive governments and NHS dentistry leaders have collectively failed the public,’ an open letter to Wes Streeting on NHS dentistry has said. Signed by Mark Jones, founder of dental campaign group Toothless in England, the letter lays out the group’s expectations for the new government regarding NHS dentistry. Read more

England: Tie in proposals and the need for real reform

Just hours before firing the starting gun on the 2024 election, the last government opened a consultation on proposals to force those who start training as dentists in England to work on the NHS, or face paying up to an additional £200,000 in fees. Read more

More than 35,000 Scots left NHS dentistry for private care

Thousands of people in Scotland have walked away from NHS dentistry and opted for private dental care since 2019. According to findings obtained through a Scottish Labour freedom of information request, at least 36,818 patients have not opted for health service provision in a four-year period. Read more

Unmet need for NHS dentistry in England stands at 13m, says association

The British Dental Association (BDA) has warned unmet need for NHS dentistry in England is at an all-time high. It said the data shows no sign of recovery for the struggling service. Read more

Health secretary to launch NHS investigation

Health secretary Wes Streeting has announced that an independent investigation will be taking place into the performance of the NHS. Read more

Winning the argument for change

As the new Government accepts what’s fuelling the crisis in NHS dentistry it’s time to move to rescue and reform. Read more

Health secretary discusses contract reform with dental leaders

The health secretary Wes Streeting today met with dental leaders to begin negotiations on the NHS dental contract. He also discussed the launch of Labour’s Dentistry Rescue Plan, which aims to create an additional 700,000 emergency dental appointments each year and tackle ‘dental deserts’. Read more

Starmer pledges to fix ‘broken’ NHS ahead of pay talks

The prime minister said work will start "straight away" to fix the NHS after Labour's general election victory. Read more

Nine in 10 practices falsely categorised as ‘accepting NHS patients’, says BDA

An investigation found that out of 100 practices categorised as accepting NHS patients, only 10 actually had capacity to do so. Read more

‘There is a dental crisis and voters deserve better’

Pamela Widdison, Kevin Paul and Billy Crotty said they were left in pain after they could not get an NHS dentist. Some found solutions privately, one could not afford it, but they all believed the NHS dental system was in crisis and needed to change. Read more

NHS force closure of practice in high needs area

Thousands of NHS patients face ’disaster’ after a dental practice was ordered to close by the NHS. Sefton Dental Centre, a practice in Bootle, estimated that it cared for 7,000 patients under the NHS. Read more

Dental crisis now a top issue for voters

The British Dental Association has said failure to set out credible plans to save NHS dentistry will hit the parties at the ballot box, with evidence showing the state of the service is now at the forefront of voter concerns. Read more

Women’s Institute to launch campaign on NHS dentistry

The British Dental Association has applauded the Women’s Institute’s landslide vote to launch a national campaign pressing the next Government to act to end the growing crisis in NHS dental services. Read more

NHS dentistry delivery still 15% lower than pre-pandemic levels

NHS dental treatment delivery has still not recovered to pre-pandemic levels, with 2022/2023 treatment levels falling 15% behind. Read more

England: Tie-ins won’t halt exodus from service

‘Tying-in’ inexperienced younger dentists will never compensate for the ongoing losses of older, experienced colleagues fuelled by the discredited NHS contract We are very clear that ‘tying-in’ inexperienced younger dentists will never compensate for the ongoing losses of older, experienced colleagues fuelled by the discredited NHS contract. Read more

Andrea Leadsom introduces £20,000 ‘golden hello’ scheme

Today (10 May) NHS England launched its ‘golden hello’ recruitment scheme – hear from MP Andrea Leadsom on the £20,000 bonus for dentists in under-served areas. Read more

NHS Dentistry crisis makes Financial Times

In a story based upon its own analysis, the Financial Times has concluded that £150 million of the dental budget remains unspent and that it was also experiencing a “recruitment crisis.” Read more

BDA – Extend miscarriage leave for NHS GDPs

We are calling on NHS England to extend its recently updated miscarriage policy for NHS GDPs. Read more

Almost £150 million of NHS funding returned by dentists, says new analysis

NHS dentists in England returned almost £150 million worth of government funding last year after failing to meet their treatment targets. Read more

Call for political parties to focus on NHS dentistry in election manifestos

A leading dentist has urged political parties to prioritise NHS dentistry in their upcoming election manifestos. Read more

Government exploring ‘non-van solutions’ after promising mobile clinics

The government is looking into ‘non-van solutions’ to the dental access crisis despite pledging a fleet of mobile clinics in the NHS dental recovery plan. In a document on the government website, it reports ‘limited availability’ of both dental vans and the required workforce to run them. Read more

Almost five million calls made to NHS dental helpline

Labour Party data shows that more than 4.7 million people have called the NHS 111 helpline for issues relating to dental health since 2019. Read more

Ukrainian refugees returning home for dental treatment

A mother from Ukraine has said she will return to the country in order to get dental treatment due to access troubles in the UK. According to a BBC report, the 36 year old said she was in ‘excruciating’ pain – but struggled to access NHS dentistry and could not afford private… Read more

Public satisfaction with NHS at lowest ever level, survey shows

Public satisfaction with the NHS has dropped again, setting a new low recorded by the long-running British Social Attitudes survey. Just 24% said they were satisfied with the NHS in 2023, with waiting times and staff shortages the biggest concerns. Read more

Schrödinger’s Recovery Plan: Minister reprimanded for misleading House on dentistry

The British Dental Association has backed Yasmin Qureshi MP as she exposed Secretary of State Victoria Atkins for misleading the House with inaccurate claims that the Government’s so-called ‘Recovery Plan’ for NHS dentistry is funded by £200m in ‘new’ money. Read more

NHS dental recovery plan could be unreliable, government admits

The government gave ‘evasive and inaccurate answers’ regarding NHS dentistry at today’s Health and Social Care Committee hearing, the profession has said. This is according to the British Dental Association (BDA), which had representatives attend the meeting. Read more

Three in five call for dentists to be paid more for NHS work

Two thirds of the public believe NHS dental services to be in crisis, with the majority wanting more government investment in dentistry. Read more

Only 15% dental practices are fully NHS, data shows

Only 15% of dental practices are fully NHS, according to new statistics, while three in five dentists work 30 hours or less each week. Read more

Profession warns Welsh government over ‘unprecedented’ increase in NHS charges

The profession is calling for new funds for NHS dentistry in light of the recent increase in patient charges. The British Dental Association Wales has said the Welsh government’s ‘unprecedented’ increase in charges for NHS dentistry must protect vulnerable patients and calls for new funds to secure a more sustainable… Read more

Dental charge increase is ‘a slap in the face for hard-pressed families’, says association

The British Dental Association (BDA) has lamented the announcement of an increase in NHS patient charges. It stressed the hike will not help improve the dental budget. Read more

Will the new patient premium tackle the access crisis?

Experts from across the dental profession and government discuss their views on the new patient premium announced as part of the dental recovery plan. Read more

NHS dentists: Exam could be scrapped for overseas applicants

The government is considering plans to allow dentists from abroad to work without taking an exam to check their education and skills. The proposal, which is subject to a three-month consultation, aims to address the severe shortage of NHS dentists. Read more

Reality check: Migrants not to blame for crisis in NHS dentistry

With government backbenchers and Reform Party leaders trying to pin the crisis in dentistry on migrants, we’ve spelled out the facts. Read more

Rishi Sunak visits dental practice – and it is not accepting new NHS adult patients

Prime minister Rishi Sunak visited a practice following the announcement of the new dental recovery plan – but it is unable to take on new adult NHS patients, it has been revealed. Read more

NHS dentistry recovery plan – what do we know so far?

Details of the long-awaited NHS dentistry recovery plan have been released – here’s all you need to know so far. Read more

Police break up queues of people seeking NHS dental care

Police in Bristol were recorded breaking up queues of people who were attempting to access NHS dental care in the city. The British Dental Association has warned that current government policies will not ease the crisis in NHS dentistry, following unprecedented scenes in Bristol as police attempted to turn away… Read more

NHS Dentistry sees biggest fall in budget in decades

With millions struggling to access care, Government spending on NHS dentistry has seen the biggest annual cut in decades, according to accounts set before parliament today. Read more

‘Not feasible nor justifiable’ – European Parliament votes to ban dental amalgam from 2025

Following today’s European Parliament vote to ban dental amalgam from 1 January 2025, the profession has warned of the impact on UK dental services. Silver amalgam is currently the most common material for NHS permanent fillings across the UK. Fillings represent around a quarter of all courses of NHS treatment… Read more

Taylor Swift tickets ‘easier to get than NHS dental appointment’, says MP

The government has been criticised for its treatment of NHS dentistry, with the Labour opposition predicting ‘further neglect, decline and patients made to go without’. Read more

Platitudes and half-truths on NHS dentistry – but no action

British Dental Association has lamented the wholesale lack of clarity from Government over plans to save NHS dentistry. Read more

Wirral MP calls for improved dental care for all children

Margaret Greenwood MP is calling on the government to develop a comprehensive national children’s oral health strategy to reduce waiting times and focus on targeted preventive measures, early intervention and improved access to high-quality dental care for all children, regardless of socioeconomic status or location. Read more

NHS dentistry recovery plan expected in 2024, says Prime Minister

The government has said a recovery plan for NHS dentistry will be published in 2024 – but failed to commit to a date. In response to the Commons Liaison Committee yesterday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the recovery plan will arrive next year. Read more

NHS dentistry as we know it ‘gone for good’

The traditional model of NHS dentistry is gone for good, experts are warning. The Nuffield Trust think tank said the service had been cut back so much it was now at the most perilous position in its 75-year history in England. Read more

Government responds to Health Select Committee

The Government has now responded to the House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee inquiry into NHS dentistry, held in the summer. According to the UK Parliament website the Government has accepted the “majority of MP’s recommendations on NHS dentistry”. Read more

Children missed 15m school days in the past year due to dental problems

Clawback forces practice to reduce NHS service

A dental clinic in Harrogate has announced it is reducing its NHS provision from 2024 due to financial issues. Letters were sent to patients by Pannal Dental Clinic (PDC) to inform them of the new arrangements. Read more

BDA: Treasury hit the vulnerable and offer nothing to ease access crisis

The British Dental Association has condemned moves in the Autumn Statement that could withdraw free dental care from the long-term sick, while offering no additional resource to support the rebuild of NHS dentistry. Under the government’s new Back to Work Plan, announced in today’s Autumn Statement, welfare claimants who refuse… Read more

Upcoming Autumn Budget to ‘limit access to free dentistry for unemployed’

The dental profession has slammed upcoming proposals that will form part of this week’s Autumn Budget to limit access to free dentistry for the unemployed. According to new plans by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, welfare claimants who ‘refuse’ to engage with their jobcentre or take work offered to them may lose… Read more

Complaints about poor NHS dental services rise 66% in five years

Record numbers of patients are complaining to the NHS Ombudsman about poor care, exorbitant fees and difficulty getting treatment from NHS dental services in England. Read more

BDA: Access crisis piling pressure across NHS

British Dental Association has said figures from the Labour Party on the nearly 70,000 patients who sought dental care in emergency departments last year are just the tip of the iceberg, and that the access crisis in dentistry is being felt in all corners of the health service. Read more

NHS reform impossible without investment, says BDA

British Dental Association has said the success of reform in NHS dentistry will hinge on appropriate funding. It follows comments by Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting that across the NHS “reform is more important than investment.” Read more

Starmer Leads with Dentistry

The stands are barely dismantled from the Conservative party conference in Manchester, but the day after the Prime Minister’s attempt to relaunch his administration, Labour has made its first policy pledge ahead of their own conference. Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to end the “horror stories” of DIY dentistry. Read more

NHS dentistry isn’t working, BDA warns Conservatives

The British Dental Association (BDA) took to the Conservative Party Conference today to stress the ‘ailing’ state of NHS dentistry to the delegates. Read more

Over 4,000 patients in Cornwall lose NHS dentist

Despite the fact that it will mean 4,500 patients in and around a Cornish town losing their dentist, a new pilot - which is believed to be one of the first of its kind in the country - has been welcomed at a time when NHS dentistry faces a national crisis. Read more

More than 4.4 million children not seen by NHS dentist in the past year

New data from the Liberal Democrats has shown that more than 4.4 million children in England were not seen by an NHS dentist in the last 12 months. The research was commissioned by the House of Commons Library and focused on the 12 months leading up to June 2023. It… Read more

NHS dentistry may not fully recover, BDA warns

Following the NHS Dental Statistics 2022/23 published today, the British Dental Association (BDA) has warned that there is no prospect of NHS dentistry returning to pre-COVID-19 levels without radical reform. Read more

Jason Leitch concerned about winter amid Covid upswing

Scotland's national clinical director has said he is concerned about winter amid a summer upswing in Covid cases. Read more

NHS Workforce Plan: the laboratory community reacts

The government’s new NHS Workforce Plan has no mention of dental technicians or clinical dental technicians despite the challenges labs are facing with recruitment. Read more

Dentist receives 27,000 calls after opening up NHS slots

Faversham Smiles saw over 100 people queue outside their door, after they announced they could take on 60 new NHS patients... Read more

Reforms to NHS dentistry in Scotland ‘fall short’

The profession has argued that reforms to NHS dentistry in Scotland fall short of the changes required to make the service. Read more

Health Secretary Steve Barclay quotes inaccurate figures for NHS dentistry

The Health Secretary quoted inaccurate figures on the number of dentists carrying out NHS dentistry, sparking calls for better data. Read more

Unmet need for NHS dentistry ‘hits record high’

More than six million adults failed to get an NHS dental appointment in the last two years, statistics suggest. Read more

Are associates and dental nurses being forgotten in NHS dentistry?

Dental professionals have warned that dental associates and dental nurses are being forgotten as talks considering dental reform continue. Read more

MPs demand ‘fundamental reform’ of NHS dentistry in new report

Members of Parliament call for ‘rapid and timely action’ as they lay out their concerns over the future of NHS dentistry services in a new report. Read more

Dental profession slams Rishi Sunak after he forgets name for dental therapists

The Prime Minister forgot the name for dental therapists last week after suggesting they take up more dental work to relieve NHS dentistry access issues. Read more

national Service is back – only for dentists

The media narrative of dental deserts appears to have been replaced by dental detention centres. Read more

The Secret Dentist – the only way to save the NHS?

Dentistry ‘hit hardest’ by COVID-19 within NHS in Scotland

Professionals have warned that the COVID-19 pandemic led to an ‘unparalleled impact’ on NHS dentistry in Scotland, leaving the service facing an existential threat. Read more

NHS England release statement on GDC versus Williams

NHS England has said it will review existing guidance in light of the GDC versus Williams appeal judgement. Read more

More dentists no ‘Magic Bullet’ to fix broken systems

In what marks a first the General Dental Council has gone on the record stating bringing in more dentists will not solve problems fuelled by broken contracts. Read more

Charity dentist unit eases pain for NHS patients

A mobile dental clinic has been offering NHS dentist appointments to Cornwall people. Read more

CDO’s project takes shape. Is this the future of NHS dentistry?

NHS England began their statement announcing the Chief Dental Officer’s departure with the emphasis on the next stage of her career. Rather than lead with her past Read more

NHS dentists in England at lowest level in 10 years

The number of active NHS dentists in England is at its lowest level in a decade, official figures show, as pressure mounts for urgent reform. Read more

Why charging top-up fees will cripple the NHS dental budget

Following the High Court’s ruling that charging top-up fees is permitted, Neel Kothari discusses why this is a ‘disaster’ for NHS England and the consequences it will have for the profession. Read more

BDA – Topping up NHS charges with private fees accepted in Appeal Court decision

Poll confirms NHS dental charges are repelling patient attendance

The recent 8.5% increase in NHS dental charges has attracted bitter criticism from the BDA, not least because none of the money raised will benefit providers or fund improvements to the service. Put simply, patients are being asked to pay more so that government can pay less. Read more

BDA: We need more than ‘pledges’: Action needed on NHS dentistry

This service will only survive with fair funding and real reform. It’s been a week like no other. Over the course of 24 hours I found myself travelling from Birmingham to Manchester and down to Westminster, racing between TV studios and Committee rooms, to hold this government to account on… Read more

Dental profession bites back at claims NHS dentistry is ‘recovering’

The British Dental Association has urged parliament to set out a clear roadmap to reform for government after it tried to ‘defend the indefensible’. Read more

Costs leave one quarter of patients delaying or avoiding treatment

Current costs are leaving one quarter of patients delaying or avoiding treatment, according to new statistics. Read more

NHS dentistry crisis: Crowdfunding my new teeth has changed my life

A woman who extracted her own teeth because she couldn't find an NHS dentist says crowdfunding a new set of dentures has transformed her life. On Tuesday afternoon, MPs will question dental experts from NHS England as part of an official inquiry prompted by a BBC investigation into the dentistry… Read more

England: Hundreds of dentists doing only one NHS check-up a year

Dental deserts are on the rise, but the BDA have warned that the true scale of the exodus from the NHS is going untracked in official figures. New research commissioned by the Liberal Democrats shows why so many people are struggling to get an appointment, with some areas now having… Read more

Day in the life of a dentist: ‘Bonkers and broken’ NHS, Turkey teeth and DIY horrors

As one in four Brits struggle to get or afford a dentist appointment, Mirror writer Nia Dalton goes behind-the-scenes at Shard End Dental Practice to see the daily pressures NHS dental staff face Read more

NHS dentists publish open letter to new First Minister, Humza Yousaf

Dentists in Scotland have put together an open letter asking the new First Minister, Humza Yousaf, to act quickly on NHS dentistry. In the letter, the British Dental Association (BDA) calls for a sustainable funding model to be put in place by October. Read more

BUPA Drops a Bombshell

The BDA and BUPA colleagues have now confirmed the rumour which had recently begun circulating, that BUPA are planning to dispose of 85 of their dental practices. Read more

BDA England: 8.5% charge hike will hit millions on modest incomes

Yesterday the government confirmed an 8.5% increase in patient charges. It’s an inexcusable approach during a cost-of-living crisis, and won’t put an extra penny into a cash-strapped service. Read more

BDA England: Ministers remain asleep at the wheel as child oral health gap widens

Ministers need to step up, as the first oral health survey of 5-year-olds published since lockdown shows no improvements in decay levels and a widening gap between rich and poor. Read more

The government’s inquiry into the state of NHS dentistry has opened

This morning, the Health and Social Care Committee received ‘brutally honest’ oral evidence on the state of NHS dentistry from dental leaders. MPs heard the facts about the state of NHS dentistry this morning. Read more

BDA: Scotland: Next First Minister must halt exodus from NHS dentistry

We've warned the Scottish Government the future of NHS dentistry is now in doubt and the next First Minister must take urgent action. Our latest survey of General Dental Practitioners across Scotland shows over half (59%) report having reduced the amount of NHS work they do since lockdown. Now over… Read more

Children’s hospital unable to hire dentists due to recruitment crisis

World-famous children’s hospital, Great Ormand Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (GOSH), have been unable to recruit paediatric dental consultants for at least two years. A new report by Health Education England suggests that this has led to trainee doctors going unsupervised. Read more

Dentists could get ‘financial incentive’ to relocate

Dentists in the UK could be offered ‘financial incentives’ to relocate to Northumberland to improve treatment availability. Berwick-upon-Tweed has seen two NHS dental practices close since the onset of the pandemic. Read more

BDA England: Half of dentists have cut NHS commitment with more to come

Both the government and the opposition need to step up and offer a plan, as the results from our latest survey reveal over half of dentists in England (50.3%) report having reduced NHS commitments since the start of the pandemic. Read more

Rotten, with no quick fixes: the state of our mouths reflects the plight of NHS dentistry

Every child in the UK is entitled to free treatment by a nonexistent dentist. Some people on benefits, pregnant women and those who have recently given birth also have free and full access to an imaginary service. Your rights are guaranteed, up to the point at which you seek to exercise them. Read more

Pension Tax Charge Risk Reduced

NHS Pensions is working to make the pension system more flexible according to a letter sent out to the dentists. Read more

BDA: Action needed as dental student debt soars

Our recent research published in the latest BDJ, shows the total debt of final year dental students and recent dental graduates has more than doubled, from £24,734 in 2013 to £52,922 in 2022. Read more

Dentists could give up NHS work in Wales, group warns

NHS dentistry in Wales could disappear, the British Dental Association has warned. Dentists have described being on the brink of handing back NHS contracts due to stress and concerns about patients' care after changes in Wales. Read more

A&E Departments Are Bursting With Dental Emergencies

The distress of patients in pain trying to access NHS dentistry are a factor of daily life for most who work in the profession, with even fully private practices fielding calls from patients desperate to find a dentist in a hurry. Read more

Government to take millions from NHS dentistry, says BDA

The British Dental Association warns that hundreds of millions are set to be taken away from NHS dentistry during an ‘unprecedented’ access crisis. They have suggested it is on track to amount to over a tenth of the service’s £3 billion budget. Read more

Kevin Lewis – NHS dentistry, I wouldn’t start from here…

It would take the mother of all sticking plasters to fix the NHS – and it has been tried many times, but maybe NHS dentistry is part of a different NHS that the politicians forgot to tell us (and the public) about, Kevin Lewis wonders. Read more

Dentists in NI lose money on most NHS treatments, BDA says

Dentists could be losing money on most active NHS treatments they perform, the British Dental Association (BDA) in Northern Ireland has said. Preliminary figures suggest carrying out treatments like fillings, crowns and extractions for NHS patients can cost dentists money. Read more

Scotland: Where next on reform?

NHS dentistry in Scotland is at a pivotal moment, as the Scottish Dental Practice Committee (SDPC) enters a process of formal engagement with Scottish Government, covering fee allocation for the revised Determination 1 of the Statement of Dental Remuneration. Read more

The tipping point for NHS dentistry

Tipping points, turning points, points of no return, are just some of the expressions used to describe that moment when the old order breaks down, and there is no going back. Often identified with the benefit of hindsight, they are not always recognised at the time. Looking back over a… Read more

Scottish government extends support to NHS dentistry

NHS dentistry in Scotland has ‘escaped imminent collapse’ following new support form the Scottish government. The Scottish government has announced plans to support NHS dentistry in the coming months. Read more

Delaying tactics for NHS dentists’ next pay award have officially begun

For many years one of the government’s tools to manipulate the Dentists and Doctors Review Body (DDRB) has been to miss the agreed deadlines for submitting its evidence. Read more

Time To Review The Review Body, Say Doctors and Dentists

The recent announcement of a 4.5% pay uplift for NHS dental contracts at a time when inflation exceeds 10%, represented a further pay cut for dentists. This is on top of the claimed 40% real-terms cut in pay since 2008/9. Read more

Bridlington man repairs tooth with plastic and super glue

A man has said he had to replace a broken crown using a £3.99 dentistry kit bought on the internet. Antony Watson, from Bridlington, is not registered with an NHS dentist and said he cannot afford private treatment. Read more

Data on Scotland’s access crisis released

The British Dental Association (BDA) has called on the Scottish Government to fix the system underpinning NHS dentistry, as new data reveals little sign of a recovery in attendance and ever-widening health inequalities. Read more

Over 282,000 people are waiting for oral surgery

Data released by NHS England has revealed that over 282,000 people were waiting for oral surgery on the NHS at the end of November 2022, an increase of 87.6 per cent since the beginning of the year. Read more

Medical and dental leaders call for changes to ‘broken’ pay review process

Medical and dental leaders have joined forces in a bid to restore independence to a ‘broken’ pay review process within the NHS. Read more

Welsh government is giving patients ‘false hope’, dentist says

‘NHS dentistry in Wales is on its knees’: Following ‘misleading’ claims from the Welsh government on the availability of NHS dental appointments, one dentist has said these ‘unrealistic’ and ‘unfair’ claims are giving false hope to the Welsh public. Read more

Poor pay is pushing talent out of NHS, says BDA

The UK government’s approach to pay is driving talent out of the NHS, according to the British Dental Association. Read more

Association urging the prime minister to set the record straight

The British Dental Association (BDA) has urged Rishi Sunak to correct the record, after misrepresenting the crisis facing NHS dentistry at PMQs on January 11, 2023. In response to questions on patient access from Cat Smith, MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood, the Prime Minister claimed, “as a result of the… Read more

Welsh government releases ‘misleading’ patient data

After stating that 112,000 additional dental appointments will be available this financial year, the BDA has urged the Welsh government to correct this ‘misleading’ claim. The BDA has urged the Welsh government to correct its claims surrounding NHS dental appointment availability. Read more

Staff shortages in the NHS and social care sectors

Recent data has revealed that the number of vacancies in the NHS and social care sectors has increased since September 2020. Health bodies and organisations have warned that such shortages have affected, and will continue to affect, patients. In recent years, successive governments have introduced measures to tackle staff shortages,… Read more

New government inquiry could save NHS dentistry

‘The last best hope to save the service’: parliament has launched a new inquiry into the state of NHS dentistry following alarming statistics. The Health and Social Care Committee has launched a new inquiry into NHS dentistry. Read more

NHS update: Antimicrobial resistance

One of the biggest threats to public health is antimicrobial resistance. The latest dentistry and oral health update from Jason Wong, deputy chief dental officer, and Ali Sparke, director for dentistry, opened by focusing on the lessons from world antimicrobial awareness week (November 18-24, 2022). Read more

Spike in number of NHS dental complaints, figures show

New figures reveal a small increase in the number of NHS complaints involving primary care dental services. Read more

New dental centre opens doors to tackle shortage of dentists

A new dental practice has opened its doors in Bangor, Wales, in a bid to alleviate the increasing shortage of NHS dentists in the area. Read more

Good Morning Britain’s Richard Madeley claims NHS dentists ‘can’t do extractions’

Dentists urge TV presenter Richard Madeley to correct his inaccurate comments on NHS dentistry made during Good Morning Britain this morning. Read more

80 years on from the Beveridge Report, this is Britain’s new safety net

The Beveridge Report preceded the creation of the welfare state, designed to support people from cradle to grave. Today, it’s no longer the state protecting the vulnerable Read more

Autumn Statement – what does it mean for dentists?

On Thursday 17 November, Jeremy Hunt delivered the government’s Autumn Statement on how they plan to rebuild the UK economy and ease the pressure caused by the cost of living crisis. Read more

NHS dentists: Thousands of new NHS dentist appointments offered

Tens of thousands of new NHS dental appointments are being offered to patients in one part of Wales. Swansea Bay health board said dental practices were "severely impacted" by Covid rules - now bosses are trying to catch up on oral care. Read more

NHS dental reforms have cross-party support, but where does the new Health Minister stand?

Dentists tell Chancellor further cuts will kill NHS dentistry

Following Jeremy Hunt's emergency statement on the public finances, the British Dental Association has warned any further cuts risk destroying any prospect of saving NHS dentistry in England. Read more

Healthwatch England – Our position on NHS dentistry

Communities across England have made it clear that NHS dentistry needs to be fixed – so it’s affordable and accessible. Read more about our evidence and what changes we’re calling for the NHS and Government to make. Read more

Cremating Amalgam – cost and environmental consequences

BDA England: New marginal changes announcement

Last week, NHS England issued further information about the marginal changes to be implemented from 1 October onwards. This set out that from 1 October there would be a range of changes to the FP17 to reflect the package of measures that NHS England outlined in July. Read more

NHS “dental deserts” persist in rural and deprived communities – LGA analysis

New analysis by the Local Government Association reveals a growing number of “dental deserts” across the country with more deprived or rural local authority areas having fewer NHS dentists than those in more affluent urban areas. Read more

An update from CDO Sara Hurley

Sara Hurley, the chief dental officer for England, has updated the dental team on the NHS contractual changes. Read more

More than 60 MPs call on Liz Truss to honour pledge to reform NHS dentistry

After over 60 cross-party MPs call on Liz Truss to act with ‘urgency and ambition’ on the NHS dentistry crisis, the BDA has warned that the government must show ambition. More than 60 MPs across parliament have called on the new Prime Minister to honour her pledge to reform NHS… Read more

BDA – Can the new government keep its promises on dentistry?

We have a new PM with a new top team, who have stated dentistry as a priority. But what’s needed now are deeds, not words. Read more

One million pregnant patients miss out on free access to NHS dentistry

Almost one million pregnant patients missed out on free NHS dental care amidst the current access crisis. Patients are entitled to free NHS dental care if they are pregnant when they start treatment, and for 12 months after the baby is born. Read more

BDA – Wales: New CDS proposal to plug GDS gaps

Welsh Government recently published Welsh Health Circular – The Role of the Community Dental Service (CDS) and Services for Vulnerable People. It lays out the various CDS functions that Local Health Boards are expected to deliver. These include the usual scope of community dental services: Paediatric dentistry including GA & sedation Special… Read more

An update for the dental team from Sara Hurley

The chief dental officer for England, Sara Hurley, has confirmed that dental teams no longer need to test for Covid-19 following new government guidance. From 31 August, routine asymptomatic testing will be paused across remaining healthcare settings, including hospitals and care homes. Read more

‘On its last legs’ – only one third of adults accessed NHS dental care in two years

Only one third of adults accessed NHS dental care in the last two years, new figures reveal, sparking further frustration from the profession. Just 34% accessed NHS dental care in the 24 months to 31 March – with the number of children seen in the last year standing at 44.8%. Read more

Sunak pledges to ‘restore’ NHS dentistry after report says 90% of practices not taking new patients

Rishi Sunak has pledged to “restore” NHS dentistry by ringfencing its funding, strengthening prevention, and encouraging dentists to stay in the health service. Read more

Two tier access to dentistry is fuelling health inequalities and piling pressure on emergency services

Responding to a BBC investigation into NHS dentistry, Siobhan Melia, chair of the Community Network hosted by the NHS Confederation and NHS Providers, said: “We face a two-tier system where those who can afford it pay for treatment while those who cannot face longer waits and deteriorating health. This is widening… Read more

Full extent of NHS dentistry shortage revealed by far-reaching BBC research

Nine in 10 NHS dental practices across the UK are not accepting new adult patients for treatment under the health service, a BBC investigation has found. Our research shows no dentists taking on adult NHS patients could be found in a third of the UK's top-tier councils. Read more

BDA Calls for 15% Contract Uplift

On the day that the Bank of England raised its lending rate by five basis points (.5%) to 1.75% - the highest increase for 27 years – it also issued a warning that inflation was poised to bust through the 13% barrier early in 2023. Coinciding with the announcement, the British Dental Association (BDA)… Read more

Welsh Government’s ‘access boost’

The British Dental Association (BDA) has warned potentially misleading claims that Welsh Government reforms will generate 112,000 new appointments are being used as cover to mask failure to invest in NHS dentistry. Read more

NHS Dental Checks – Once A Year In Wales

English dentists trying to predict what lies in store for them could do a lot worse than speak to their Welsh colleagues. The BBC News website is now carrying a story headlined, “NHS: Dentist check-ups in Wales cut to once a year” Read more

‘Too little and too late’ – reactions to the NHS dental contract changes

Yesterday, the government announced the first significant changes to the dental contract since its introduction – here is what is being said about it. NHS England announced the significant changes to the dental contact, sparking reaction from the profession. Read more

NHS staff pay rise – salary increase will ‘worsen dental workforce crisis’

The latest pay rise for NHS dentists ‘will only accelerate the workforce crisis’ by forcing dentists to reconsider their future in the health service. This is according to the British Dental Association (BDA) following the announcement of the latest NHS salary increase. Read more

NHS dentistry: New plans papering over cracks, as dentists push for real reform

The British Dental Association has said government must press ahead on fundamental reform of NHS dentistry, following plans announced today that will do little to arrest the exodus of dentists from the service, or address the crisis in patient access. Read more

Edinburgh MP Ian Murray reveals how many dentists in Capital are accepting new NHS patients

Just 16 of Edinburgh’s 104 dental practices offering NHS services are accepting new adult patients, according to new research released by Labour’s Ian Murray. A further nine practices are accepting only children. Read more

BDA Wants New Health Secretary To Meet “Words With Action”

The British Dental Association is urging the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay, to act now on the crisis in NHS dentistry. Read more

‘Ridiculous’ payment system is forcing dentists out of the NHS and into private practice

Dr Andrew Elnazir felt positive starting as an NHS dentist seeing up to 40 patients a day, but historic problems led to him becoming part of an exodus of dentists into the private sector. Read more

Dentists write open plea to new Health Secretary Steve Barclay MP

The British Dental Association (BDA) has written to the new Health Secretary and urged him to reform NHS dentistry ‘without any further delay’. The union hopes for immediate action as without it, ‘NHS dentistry in England faces a slow death’. Read more

NHS Dentistry in Northern Ireland branded ‘unsustainable’

Lest for a moment you thought that the crisis affecting NHS dentistry was largely confined to England and Wales, a report on UTL Live (ITN News) on Friday 24th June made clear in stark terms that NHS Dentistry in the province is ‘not a sustainable model’. Read more

Scotland: NHS dentistry ‘on the brink’ with reduction in support payments

NHS dentistry is “on the brink”, a union has warned, as it hit out at the scaling back of financial support for the sector. Concerns have been raised over the future sustainability of NHS dentistry by the British Dental Association (BDA). The organisation, which represents dentists in the UK, has… Read more

Tiverton: Government paying the price for failing to fix crisis in NHS dentistry

The British Dental Association has responded to reports that access to NHS dentistry ranked alongside issues with local schools and Partygate in fuelling the Conservatives landslide defeat in the Tiverton by-election. Read more

Imminent contract changes likely to be marginal

The BDA has issued a statement (14th June) cautioning the profession that any announcements on dental contract reform made before the Parliamentary summer recess were likely to be ‘only modest, marginal changes to the current discredited target-based NHS dental contract.’ Read more

Return To Dental ‘Normality’ Driven By Treasury – LDC Conference Is Told

The rush back to the Government’s definition of ‘normality’ in NHS dentistry has been driven by the Treasury, the Local Dental Committee National Conference was told on Friday. Read more

LDC Conference – Calls For Core NHS Dental Service Approved, If Government Doesn’t Invest Significantly

If the Government doesn’t invest significant funds in NHS dentistry, the only way to run a satisfactory NHS dental system would be to adopt a core service, the Annual Local Dental Conference has been told. Read more

Cost of living crisis contributing to deterioration of oral health, claims charity

The rise in cost of living could lead to a deterioration in the nation’s oral health, according to the Oral Health Foundation. Read more

Backdoor privatisation of dental services is punishing the poor

In common with other caring professions, senior dentists have been in a state of prolonged anxiety since the pandemic, as we watch to see how quickly dental services can return to normal after two years of disruption. Read more

BDA figures lay bare the scale of the NHS crisis

‘They want dentistry out of the NHS’ warns Eddie Crouch. 45% of dentists have reduced their commitment to NHS dentistry since the pandemic according to a survey of 2,204 dentists by the British Dental Association. 75% of respondents revealed they were likely to reduce – or further reduce – their NHS commitment over… Read more

Nearly half of dentists severing ties with NHS as government fails to move forward onreform

The British Dental Association warns an unprecedented collapse in NHS commitment among dentists in England could spell the end for the service without radical and urgent action from government. Read more

Cost of living pressures – NHS dental charge freeze is crucial

Dentists have called on the government to freeze NHS dental charges following the stark rise in the cost of living. This comes after the government froze NHS prescription charges. Health secretary Sajid David stated: ‘The rise in the cost of living has been unavoidable…while we cannot completely prevent these rises,… Read more

BDA – England: Ministers urged to level up NHS dentistry

New polling from Healthwatch England shows 41% of adults are struggling to access care, with nearly half (49%) saying that patient charge levels are unfair given the mounting cost of living. The shortage of appointments is hitting those on low incomes the hardest, and so we have backed calls from… Read more

BDA – England: Fixing NHS dentistry impossible without real reform

We have responded to the latest report from the Association of Dental Groups (ADG), stressing that anything short of fundamentally reforming the broken contract is doomed to failure. New figures show over 2000 dentists left the NHS in England in the last year as of January 2022, down from 23,733… Read more

Scotland: Guidance issued on funding to improve dental equipment

The Scottish Government has issued guidance for practices that previously expressed an interest in ventilation funding about the application process. Applications must be received by 30 June 2022. Read more

‘Dental deserts’ form in England as dentists quit NHS, experts warn

“Dental deserts” are emerging across England after more than 2,000 dentists quit the NHS last year, leaving millions of people struggling to get checkups or have toothaches fixed, a new report reveals. Read more

Sowerby Bridge school uses charity to tackle pupils’ toothache

A school has brought in a dental charity to treat pupils with such bad toothache they have missed lessons. Staff at Trinity Academy Grammar in West Yorkshire have had to take pupils to hospital as they were in agony but unable to access an NHS dentist. Read more

Sara Hurley CDO releases update on NHS contract and withdraws SOP

Chief dental officer for England, Sara Hurley, has updated the dental profession on the latest NHS contract requirements. In a letter addressed to the profession this afternoon, it reads: ‘Following a review of transmitted data to date within Q4 we have introduced a minimum threshold of 75% for units of… Read more

Welsh NHS dentistry ‘withering on the vine’

Without more financial support, NHS dentistry across the border will ‘Wither on the vine’ according to the British Dental Association Wales. Read more

‘Do not overlook dentists’ – MPs fight for NHS dentistry in Westminster debate

Members of Parliament called for better support for dentists and NHS dental care in the latest debate at Westminster Hall. Politicians from across the country spoke up on key issues affecting NHS dentistry, with many calling for urgent action. Read more

Figures show drop in the dental profession

News publication Express has shared official figures which reveal trends in the NHS dental profession in 2020-2021. During this time, 23,733 dentists performed NHS activity – a decrease of 951 on the previous year... Read more

BDA calls for changes to NHS dental contract

The British Dental Association (BDA) has reiterated their opposition to the recent rise in dental targets... Read more

Boris Johnson says government delivered ‘record investment’ in NHS dentistry

He made the statement when facing queries from MPs at yesterday’s session of Prime Minister’s Questions. The Prime Minister was asked whether he will commit to increasing the number of NHS dentists in the UK. He responded by saying that the restrictions of lockdown hindered people from getting dental treatment.… Read more

CDO Sara Hurley releases 2022 update for NHS dentistry

Chief dental officer Sara Hurley has unveiled the latest targets for NHS dental practices in the run up to Christmas. Between January and March 2022, dental staff are asked to deliver 85% of their contract. This will then be restored to 100% from April. Sara writes that practices should plan… Read more

Boris Johnson quizzed on dental care in PMQs

Boris Johnson faced questions about the state of dentistry during the latest session of Prime Minister’s Questions. Dr Caroline Johnson, the MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, made calls for the Prime Minister to support the formation of new dental schools, detailing the access struggles of her constituents. Speaking in… Read more

Is Brexit Beginning To Bite UK Dentistry?

The changes to the registration procedures applicable to dentists who qualified in the European Union, appear to be beginning to bite. With many stories of the crisis in gaining access to NHS dentistry highlighted daily in the press, there have also been concomitant anecdotal tales from dental practices unable to… Read more

How mandatory vaccinations are going to impact NHS and private practices

Nigel Jones caught up with HR and employment lawyer, Sarah Buxton, to explore mandatory vaccinations, look at who it will impact, and discuss how practices can comply with regulations. Read more

What’s new in the latest IPC guidance?

Changes to pathways and distancing are just some of the updates from the latest infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance. The government yesterday released new guidance for healthcare settings, including dentistry. This refers to the advice clinicians have had to follow since the onset of COVID-19 early in 2020. It… Read more

‘Toothless’ campaign says people are resorting to “Dickensian” pain relief

Campaign group Toothless in Suffolk recently expanded their network, with Toothless in England being formed as a central hub. Recently, Mark Jones, founder and spokesperson for the new group, appeared on BBC Radio Oxford, sharing stories of people going to extreme lengths to relieve their dental pain, all because they… Read more

Dental funding boost mustn’t forget services for Wales’ most vulnerable

The British Dental Association (BDA) Wales has welcomed commitments for additional funding for high street NHS dental services, but stressed support must also be provided to community services, treating the nation's most vulnerable adults and children. Minister for Health and Social Services Eluned Morgan MS has pledged additional funding for… Read more

Discrimination and bias ‘may be getting worse’ in NHS, says report

Discrimination and unfair treatment is ‘evident’ within the NHS despite efforts to tackle it, a new report found. The findings also revealed that inequality between NHS staff groups are continuing – and in some cases, even getting worse. Carried out by Nuffield Trust, the report – ‘Attracting, supporting and retaining a… Read more

Covid Scotland: Third of NHS dentists may leave profession in next year without policy change

Scotland is set for an “exodus” from NHS dentistry unless pandemic funding support is extended, the British Dental Association (BDA) has said. The union continues to campaign against a decision from the Scottish Government to withdraw all pandemic emergency support to dental practices by April 1, 2022. According to a… Read more

‘I’ve never seen my colleagues so demoralised” – Dr Eddie Crouch

The extent of the NHS dental crisis was brought home to viewers yesterday, when Dr Eddie Crouch appeared on the BBC’s Breakfast programme to outline the problems facing the dental health service. The British Dental Association Chair had been asked to discuss the crisis on live TV, with presenters Dan Walker and Sally Nugent. The interview was carried out… Read more

COVID-19 vaccines ‘mandatory for NHS staff from April’

Vaccination against COVID-19 will be ‘compulsory for NHS dental staff’ in a bid to boost uptake. But the measure will not start until April down to fears it could lead to a shortfall in staff over the winter. Latest figures reveal that around 90% of NHS staff in England have… Read more

COVID-19 – UDA rates fell by 58% in 2020

UDA rates fell by 58% in 2020 compared to the previous year, data shows. The latest CQC State of Care report exposes key issues within NHS dental services, especially among the younger population. It reports that inspectors found particular issues regarding access among children, suggesting the country’s ‘most vulnerable’ infants were affected.… Read more

As Backlogs Grow, Mouth Cancer Puts Lives In Danger

As today sees the launch of Mouth Cancer Action Month, the dangers of missed dental appointments due to the pandemic backlog, has hit the news headlines. Yesterday, The Express headlined “Three years backlog! - Lives in danger as NHS dentistry faces ’worst crisis ever’” The newspaper said “People will die due to… Read more

Autumn Budget 2021 – what impact will it have on dentistry?

Chancellor Rishi Sunak yesterday revealed fresh economic plans for the UK, with £5.9 billion set aside to alleviate NHS backlogs. The huge sum sparked conversations among the profession over whether a chunk will be earmarked for dentistry. A number of other financial measures, however, were announced – many of which will… Read more

Budget leaves NHS dentistry in last chance saloon

The British Dental Association has lamented the budget's failure to recognise the challenges facing dental services across England. It follows calls from both the BDA and Healthwatch England to provide vital funding for the recovery and rebuild of services, which was backed yesterday by over 40 cross-party MPs. Reform of the widely discredited… Read more

Scottish government plans set to decimate NHS dentistry

The British Dental Association (BDA) Scotland has warned plans to return NHS practices to pre covid models of work will devastate dental services across the country. Humza Yousaf, cabinet secretary, recently wrote to every NHS dental team in Scotland, indicating that all emergency support will be withdrawn by April 1,… Read more

Calls On Sunak To ‘Guarantee’ NHS Dentistry’s Future

The British Dental Association has teamed up with Healthwatch England to call on the Chancellor Rishi Sunak to use the approaching Spending Review to “Guarantee the future of NHS dentistry.” The two organisations used an open letter to highlight the impact on dental care that a decade of cuts and COVID-19 have had on… Read more

NHS dental services ‘in a vicious spiral’, says MP

An MP is calling for urgent action amidst the growing waiting list for NHS dental care. Speaking in Parliament yesterday (19 October), MP Yvette Cooper lay out the realities of NHS dentistry and the challenges now faced by dentists and patients across the UK. ‘NHS dentistry is facing a total capacity crisis,’… Read more

Dental Contract Reform Hits A Roadblock

The much-anticipated reform of the NHS dental contract is unlikely to be introduced for some considerable time, following a letter sent yesterday to participating prototype practices. Early yesterday, GDPUK saw a draft of the letter written by Alette Addison, the Deputy Director of Pharmacy, Dentistry and Eye Care. The letter was undated. Read more

‘Crying at night’ – nine-year-old girl waits nine months for tooth extraction

A nine-year-old girl has waited nine months for dental treatment – and is still yet to be seen. In a new BBC report, it is revealed that the child, Grace, was put on a waiting list in January to have the tooth extracted using general anaesthetic. However, she is still waiting to have it… Read more

Speech Omission Suggests Health Secretary Is Not ‘Inspired’ By Dental Professionals

Health Secretary Sajid Javid’s speech to the Conservative Party Conference this week, which exclaimed “It’s time to level up on health,” failed to contain a single reference to dentistry. Mr Javid’s 1577 word speech left oral health completely on the sidelines, although he enthused about Information Technology. “I want the NHS to embrace innovation… Read more

Delays in NHS dentistry

NHS dentistry access delays are now so severe that some patients are resorting to removing their own teeth, as reported by the BBC. The broadcaster shared the experience of Danielle Watts, from Suffolk, who says she has been unable to see a dentist for six years, after the practice she… Read more

NHS England’s activity target silence ‘speaks volumes’

Zoe Close looks at the latest government announcement on the increased NHS activity targets, and the impact it will have after it arrived just hours before the new contracts were due to start. Until the evening of 30 September, NHS dentists were in a position where they had absolutely zero… Read more

NASDAL Sees Normality Returning To Dentistry, While Ross Brooke Advises Incorporation Caution

There are signs of ‘normality’ returning to the business of dentistry according to the results of a newly-released survey. The National Association of Specialist Dental Accountants and Lawyers’ quarterly Goodwill Survey has suggested there are big jumps in the valuations of dental practices and ‘deals completed.’ NASDAL said “In terms of deals… Read more

Prime Minister says NHS will be a ‘better place’ for dental profession

Prime Minister Boris Johnson claims the latest investments will make the NHS a better place for the dental profession. Robert Goodwill MP confronted the PM during a recent Parliamentary debate on the future of NHS dentistry. He highlighted previous queues ‘around the block’ with patients waiting in vain for an… Read more

Scotland’s CDO updates profession on infection control guidance

The chief dental officer (CDO) for Scotland has updated the profession on the future of infection and prevention control in dental practices. In a letter to practices, CDO Tom Ferris revealed that work is underway to examine how policy can change according to new developments, such as vaccinations. As it stands, all… Read more

Welsh dentists calling for the relaxation of COVID rules

BDA Wales is calling for the relaxation of COVID rules to avoid patients unnecessarily losing teeth and allow more dental check-ups. Russell Gidney, chair of the BDA’s Welsh General Dental Practice Committee, says delays will mean tooth decay, gum disease and cancers will go unspotted. He highlights strict hygiene measures and fallow time reducing… Read more

NHS Digital’s Report ‘Underlines The Collapse In NHS Access’

The release of the latest NHS Dental Statistics has shown that the number of course of treatment carried out in the General Dental Service in 2020-21, was down by 69% compared to the previous year. The NHS Digital report revealed that only 12 million courses of treatment were carried out in 2020-21.… Read more

Two fifths of dentists say it will take ‘at least a year’ to clear COVID backlog

Around 40% of dentists report it will take 12 months or longer to tackle the backlog of patients at their practice. This is according to latest research carried out by the Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) at the Royal College of Surgeons of England. It reports that four in 10… Read more

NHS chaos – nine million children missed out on dental treatment

Millions of young children missed out on an NHS dental appointment in the last 12 months. Official statistics expose a significant drop in the number of youngsters who saw a dentist during the pandemic. The number fell from 58.7% as of 31 March 2020 to 23% on 31 March 2021.… Read more

Free NHS dentistry – practices in Scotland given 24 hours to prepare

Dental practices in Scotland have been given just 24 working hours to prepare for free NHS provision. Today, the Scottish government issued guidance on how NHS practices can deliver free care for 18 to 25-year-olds. The move falls under the SNP pledge to abolish all NHS dental care charges after they were… Read more

CDO Sara Hurley announces change to fallow time requirements

Chief dental officer Sara Hurley has announced new changes to fallow time requirements in England. Fallow time following an aerosol-generating procedure (AGP) is no longer needed for successive appointments involving members of the same household. However it is advised that the disinfection and cleaning of the environment should still be… Read more

Specialists in paediatric dentistry ‘should be trebled’ to meet UK demands

The UK is significantly lacking specialists in paediatric dentistry, it has been suggested. In a new report into the dental specialist workforce and its UK distribution, the team concluded that ‘stark inequalities’ exist throughout the country. In response, the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) says the number of paediatric specialists in… Read more

Scotland appoints three new deputy chief dental officers

Scotland is appointing three new deputy chief dental officers, it has been revealed. The division of the chief dental officer for Scotland today announces three new deputies to help guide dentistry out of the pandemic. These are: Zahid Imran Gillian Leslie Gavin Mclellan. Between them, the candidates bring significant experience… Read more

New NHS CEO Appreciates the Importance Of Health Service Dentistry

“Dentistry is a hugely important service” says the new Chief Executive Officer of NHS England. Amanda Pritchard was announced as the CEO of NHS England on Wednesday, and will be taking over from Lord (Simon) Stevens on August 1st. Ms Pritchard is currently the Chief Operating Officer of NHS England and NHS Improvement and… Read more

England’s 3% NHS Pay Rise Announced – But Will All of England’s NHS Dental Staff Receive It?

The Government has confirmed a 3% pay award to NHS workers in England, meeting the recommendations made by the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Renumeration (DDRB). The British Dental Association News website said “A long term approach to pay is now required to keep NHS dentistry viable.” The 3% rise came after a… Read more

Your NHS dentistry and oral health update

Sara Hurley, chief dental officer England, and Ed Waller, director of primary care NHS England, have recently provided an update regarding self-isolation policies and retuning to work for those who are a healthcare provider. In their statement, they said, “We are writing with further information on the government's announcement that if there… Read more

Dentists in Northern Ireland considering pulling NHS Services

A number of dentists in Northern Ireland are considering pulling out of providing NHS dental care, as the continuation of Covid-19 restrictions have created a system that is “not viable”. Fallow time after aerosol generating procedures has meant that many practices are operating at a reduced capacity. Ciara Gallagher, the… Read more

COVID-19 – dental standard operating procedure updated in England

‘Not yet business as usual’ – this is the key message that has been put out to the dental profession by chief dental officer Sara Hurley ahead of next week’s easing of restrictions. But the CDO has confirmed a number of changes to England’s standard operating procedure (SOP). This falls… Read more

Increase In Activity Threshold ‘Not Acceptable’ Says BDA

The British Dental Association has told NHS England that any increase to the activity threshold for the second half of the financial year without a change in the IPC guidance and SOP, would not be acceptable. In the report of the BDA’s latest General Dental Practice Committee meeting, Chair Dr Shawn Charlwood said, “We are continuing to meet… Read more

‘One UDA’ Breach Notice Successfully Appealed

A dentist who was one UDA short of her annual target as a result of the pandemic, and was given a given a contract breach notice by NHS England, has won an appeal against the decision. The female dentist, who practises in Derbyshire, appealed against NHS England’s decision, to NHS Resolution, part… Read more

NHS dental practice values plummet in last quarter

New figures reveal that NHS practice values plummeted in the last quarter as the UK experienced its third lockdown. This is according to a new survey carried out by NASDAL. The research features data on valuations as well as deals done during the quarter ending 30 April 2021. Findings include:… Read more

Changes to dentistry following the COVID-19 pandemic

An all-encompassing survey has revealed how COVID-19 has changed the lives and attitudes of dental professionals. Dentistry reports. COVID-19 has changed life for us all but how has it impacted dentistry? A major new study carried out by Dentistry and Dentistry Online has shed light on what life after COVID-19 could look like for… Read more

England Envious As Wales Waves Farewell To UDA’s

England’s NHS dentists will be casting an envious glance over the border, after the Welsh Government announced that the principality’s practitioners will never be returning to the ‘failed’ UDA system. Read more

Scotland moving towards free NHS dental care for adults 25 and under

The Scottish government is moving closer to its pledge to provide NHS dentistry to young people aged 18 to 25. In April, the SNP vowed to abolish all NHS dental care charges if they were re-elected to parliament. And after a successful election last month, it is now making moves… Read more

Contract Delays Must Stop, LDC Conference Is Told

NHS contract reform “Needs to be in place for April next year” the national Local Dental Committee Conference was told at the weekend. “I know that’s ambitious, but time is running out. The decade of delay and repeatedly kicking of the can down the road needs to stop” Shawn Charlwood, Chair of the BDA… Read more

Dentistry takes top spot for most delayed healthcare service

Dentistry comes first on the list of the most delayed healthcare services in the UK. In an Oral Health Foundation survey, almost half (45%) reported dental appointment or treatment delays in the last 12 months. This is the top reported service delay, climbing above other healthcare services including: GP surgeries… Read more

Are you eligible for the COVID-19 bonus payment?

Dental professionals with an NHS contract in Wales are eligible for a one-off bonus payment as a result of COVID-19. In March, the Welsh government announced that NHS and social care staff will be awarded a bonus payment as a thank you for their work during the pandemic. The one-off… Read more

Dentists warn of exodus from service, as access crisis deepens with 30m appointments missed

The British Dental Association has urged government to set out a clear route map for reform and relaxation of covid restrictions, as new survey data points to an exodus from the service as the access crisis continues with nearly 30m appointments lost since the first lockdown. MPs are set to… Read more

‘Shocking Court Case’ Raises Fears For Practice Owners

Dental practice principals could in future be considered to be liable for the dental negligence of their associates, following a recent judgement. The BDA News website called the judgment “A shocking court case.” It said it highlights why some indemnity policies will not keep you safe from claims and damages.… Read more

Responding to the fallout

Neil Richardson explores the outcome of the government’s McCloud consultation and what you need to consider before making a decision. In April 2015, public sector pension schemes were reformed, with most members moved into new career average arrangements. Following consultations with member representatives when the schemes were reformed, transitional protections… Read more

‘Absolutely shocking’ – patients travel more than 50 miles to access NHS dentistry

Patients report travelling more than 50 miles to access NHS dentistry, sparking fears that the profession is being plunged into crisis even further. Following the closure of an NHS dental practice in Scarborough, Yorkshire, patients have been travelling to cities as a far away as Leeds in a desperate bid… Read more

NHS dental teams in Wales to receive bonus payment

The Welsh government has confirmed that NHS dental teams will receive a bonus payment in response to the pandemic. Vaughan Gething, Minister for Health and Social Services, said the recent plans to award bonus payments to NHS workers in Wales will extend to dental services. This follows a letter put… Read more

NHS Dental Charges ‘Scrapped’ If SNP Wins Election

NHS dental charges will be removed North of the border if the SNP wins the Scottish Parliament election in May. The Scottish National Party has pledged to abolish NHS dentistry charges if re-elected, in its 75-page manifesto entitled ‘Scotland’s Future.’ The SNP has also pledged to protect free prescriptions and to increase frontline NHS… Read more

False Declarations That Staff Have Been Paid Fully May Lead To Fraud Investigations

NHS Business Services Authority has now issued its ‘Guidance to support dental contract management arrangements for the 2020/21 year-end reconciliation,’ amid warnings to those providers who have not paid their associates correctly, that they may face investigations if they make false declarations. The document specifies that practices were expected to continue… Read more

Suspension on requirement for patient signature on dental forms extended

The government has confirmed that the exemption on patient prescription signing will be extended by three months. The Department of Health and Social Care have announced that patients will not have to sign dental forms up until 30 June 2021. Last November, the government enforced the move in a bid to reduce… Read more

NHS dental charges will not increase from April

Patient charges will not increase from 1 April in England or Wales, it has been confirmed. The Department of Health and Social Care says there will not be a hike in patient charges in England from 1 April. Similarly, the chief dental officer for Wales, Colette Bridgman, confirmed the same… Read more

NHS dental targets increase to 60% from April

NHS dental practices will need to hit 60% of their pre-COVID activity under new requirements. This was announced under a new statement from CDO Sara Hurley and director of primary care commissioning transformation, Gabi Darby. From 1 January 2021, dental practices were asked to deliver 45% of their contracts in order… Read more

Scotland – NHS dentists miss out on 4% pay rise

NHS staff in Scotland have been offered a 4% pay rise – but dentists have been excluded. The Scottish government confirmed that the average pay of a frontline worker could increase by more than £1,200. This will include 154,000 staff members including paramedics, nurses and domestic staff. The pay increase… Read more

Pandemic Was A ‘Dental Disaster’ Says FDI

The President of the World Dental Federation (FDI) has called the oral health aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic ‘A dental disaster.’ Dr Gerhard Konrad Seeberger said "Restrictions have certainly played a part in oral health hesitancy, but they don’t tell the whole story.” He added "Let’s call it for what it is—a dental… Read more

Study shows non-smokers have better mental health

On No Smoking Day 2021 smokers are encouraged to put smoking behind them for a brighter future. New evidence published this week shows that smokers who quit for six weeks or more are happier than those who carry on smoking. Reductions in anxiety and depression in those who quit smoking… Read more

Budget 2021: What does this mean for you?

Luke Moore discusses what the chancellor's plans mean for dental professionals. The UK held its breath as the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, presented the 2021 budget. By this point, it was clear that the focus would be on post-pandemic recovery plans – including an outline of the financial support available beyond… Read more

Government recommends 1% pay rise for NHS dentists

This follows the latest report of recommendations to the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB). The British Dental Association (BDA) labelled the news a ‘body blow’ to an already precarious healthcare service. ‘Ministers seem to have forgotten that NHS dentistry can only survive if it is capable of… Read more

NHS staff inundated with almost 140,000 spam emails in 2020

NHS staff were inundated with more than 137,000 spam or phishing emails last year. This is according to the latest figures from NHS Digital. Obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, NHS employees reported 27,958 suspected phishing emails targeting their email service. These were drafted in a bid to encourage… Read more

London worst affected by lockdown dentist closures

New data released by the NHS has revealed the impact of lockdown-enforced dentist closures in England, with patients in London worst affected as available appointments plummeted to 21 per cent less than 2019. Almost a year on from the initial government-enforced national lockdown, the NHS has released figures which highlight… Read more

Two thirds of children did not see an NHS dentist last year

NHS dental attendance figures published last week show over two thirds of children (70.2 per cent) in England did not see an NHS dentist in the 12 months to December 31, 2020. Dental surgeons are warning the number of children admitted to hospital for tooth decay may rise, if access… Read more

NHS Calls For Pay Concerns To Be Aired

NHS dental associates who haven’t been paid fully during the pandemic are being encouraged to give voice to their pay concerns. NHS Business Services Authority (BSA) has launched a new pay concerns year-end form on behalf of NHS England and NHS Improvement. The BSA has said “The expectation from NHS England and NHS Improvement… Read more

Big bang or damp squib? What the White Paper means for dentistry

The White Paper launched by Health Secretary Matt Hancock spells fundamental change in the way healthcare works in England. The Lansley Reforms of 2012 could be history (well for the most part) and new laws are set to reach the statute books in 2022. Brace yourself for another re(dis)organisation of dentistry, say… Read more

Dental practices should withhold associates’ full pay, BDA says

Dental practices should pay associates at a lower rate until the NHS fulfils practices’ full contract value, the BDA says. Its updated guidance suggests ‘If NHS England pays the practice at the higher rate, the practice will pass that higher rate to all its associates. If NHS England pays the… Read more

Dentistry: NHS patients ‘asked to pay for private care’

Some NHS dental patients have been asked to pay for private care "if they want any treatment", according to a watchdog. Others are facing waits of up to two years for an NHS appointment, Healthwatch England has warned. One patient was in so much pain he decided to extract his… Read more

Dentistry: NHS patients ‘asked to pay for private care’

Some NHS dental patients have been asked to pay for private care "if they want any treatment", according to a watchdog. Read more

‘Two year wait’ for NHS appointment forces patients to opt for DIY dentistry

More than seven in 10 are still struggling to access dentistry as patients continue to carry out DIY dentistry, a watchdog has revealed. Read more

Coronavirus: Dentists warn millions of treatments have been missed

Dentists have provided around 19m fewer treatments in England since March this year compared to the same period last year, figures show. British Dental Association (BDA) analysis, seen by the BBC, shows practices operating at a fraction of their capacity during the pandemic. It warns hundreds of practices could be… Read more

CDO Letter – Full range of NHS dental treatments from 1st November

In a letter released 12th October, Tom Ferris CDO Scotland announced that, as of Sunday 1st November dental contractors will be able to provide a full range of dental treatments to NHS patients. This announcement follows the recent publication of the Scottish Dental Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP) ‘Review of Aerosol Generating… Read more

Dentists’ leaders warn of ‘private only’ system

DENTISTS’ leaders have warned that Scotland could end up with a private only system of care with poorer patients resigned to ‘missing teeth and dentures’ if current Covid restrictions are not lifted and practices do not receive additional support. Professor Phil Taylor, Dean-Elect of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd)’s… Read more

NHS England: clarification fact sheet on dental contract

The clarification, issued by NHS England and NHS Improvement, covers abatement reconciliation, patient care activity, other contracts, eg orthodontic, domiciliary, and staffing assurance. It answers many of the questions raised by GDPs, although the language can be technical. Read more

Hospital and community dentists to receive pay rise for ‘vital’ COVID-19 work

The pay rise will be backdated to 1st April 2020 and is in recognition of their 'vital contribution' during COVID-19. The pay rise was welcomed by the BDA, but they also said that more needs to be done to sustain the ‘long term integrity of the service’. Read more

NHS England confirms abatement figure and sets out contract issues

NHS England and the CDO England have set out key NHS contractual issues caused by COVID-19, during lockdown and those that apply since 8 June. The letter confirms that abatement of 16.75% will be applied to the majority of contracts from 1 April until 8 June. Read more

Dental charity calls on government to freeze NHS patient charges

The Oral Health Foundation has urged Matt Hancock to temporarily freeze NHS patient charges in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter, issued in early July, says a freeze could help thousands of people combat dental disease and prevent deterioration of health. Read more

Government pledges to hold postponed inquiry into dentistry

The Government has pledged to hold a planned inquiry into dentistry that was postponed due to last year’s General Election. Jeremy Hunt, chair of the Health and Social Care Committee, will hold the inquiry looking into issues surrounding the profession. Read more

More than half of Scottish practices feel vulnerable

Fifty-one per cent of practices don’t believe they'd be financially viable with the current funding model going into the next ‘return to work’ phase. The survey by the Scottish Dental Practice Owners’ Group also found that 57% would consider remaining closed after COVID-19. Read more