UK Government Plans Major NHS Dentistry Reform to Address Access and Funding Issues
The UK government has announced plans to reform NHS dentistry in England by replacing the current Units of Dental Activity (UDA) contract with longer-term, comprehensive treatment packages that prioritise urgent and complex care.
The reforms aim to address widespread access problems, including in towns described as 'dental deserts' where no NHS dentists are available. Under the proposed system, patients requiring complex care could save up to £225 in fees by having their treatment covered under a single package over an extended period.
The existing dental contract, in place since 2006, is seen as flawed because it pays dentists based on UDAs, which tends to favour simple check-ups over longer, more complex treatment. Health Minister Stephen Kinnock stated that the new plan will prioritise urgent care and reduce unnecessary routine visits, noting that those with good oral health might only need a check-up about once every two years.
The British Dental Association (BDA) described the reforms as the biggest change to this so-called failed contract in nearly 20 years, highlighting chronic underfunding and access problems as core issues. Shiv Pabary of the BDA cautioned that delivering comprehensive care within the current budget will be extremely challenging without broader funding increases and systemic changes.
Government officials indicated that the reforms will be negotiated with the BDA and that more changes to the dental contract are forthcoming as part of a wider overhaul.
