Consultation outcome

NHS dentistry contract: quality and payment reforms

Applies to England

This consultation has concluded

Read the full outcome

Detail of outcome

On behalf of the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the department consulted with stakeholders from across the dental sector likely to be affected by the proposed reforms to the NHS dentistry contract in England, as well as their representative groups and the public.

The consultation received 2,289 completed responses, including 132 organisational responses. Responses were also received from individuals sharing both personal and professional views, ensuring a broad and representative engagement.

This document summarises the responses and the government’s consideration of the feedback received. Ministers have decided to proceed with the implementation of all proposed changes to the NHS dentistry contract, with some modifications reflecting consultation feedback.

The reforms are planned to be implemented from April 2026, with further guidance to be issued to the sector in due course.


Original consultation

Summary

This consultation seeks views on proposals on quality and payment reforms for NHS dentistry in England.

This consultation ran from
to

Consultation description

This consultation contains a package of changes to improve the current NHS dental contract. Through these proposed reforms, we will secure our commitment of 700,000 more urgent dental care appointments every year, better support patients with complex treatment needs and encourage the delivery of more preventative care.

We welcome views and evidence from:

  • health and social care professionals
  • academics
  • employers
  • stakeholder organisations
  • the public

All respondents must be aged 16 and over to take part in this survey. Individuals must live in England. Organisations must operate or provide services in England.

NHS dentistry is a devolved service, so the outlined proposals apply to England only. Responses to this survey should only refer to experiences of healthcare in England.

Documents

Updates to this page

Published 8 July 2025
Last updated 16 December 2025 show all updates
  1. Added the government response to the consultation.

  2. First published.

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