The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) has opened a consultation on proposed changes to the NHS dental contract.
The NHS dental contract quality and payment reforms 2026 represent a significant and essential step on the journey to improve access to and quality of NHS dentistry.
Developed following engagement with the profession, the proposed changes aim to improve access for those requiring urgent care, enhance treatment pathways for complex cases, and deliver better preventative care for children.
This includes shifting away from the unit of dental activity (UDA) system towards a more balanced approach prioritising patient needs and professional fulfilment as well as creating fairer funding for complex treatments and developing new clinical pathways that integrate prevention and treatment. These changes should also help practices use the full dental team effectively while focusing resources where they're most needed.
