2026 NHS Dental Reform Information

This page was last updated on 03 July 2026

The NHS dental contract quality and payment reforms are an important step towards improving access to NHS dentistry and the quality of care patients receive.
They will help dental teams deliver care that better meets the oral health needs of people across England. The reforms also address concerns from dental professionals that previous contract arrangements restricted their ability to provide the best possible care.

The reforms introduce several key changes, including:
• a new Urgent Care safety net to help people access NHS dental care quickly when they need it most
• greater support for preventative care and oral health stabilisation, especially for patient groups with the greatest need
• preventative oral health measures for children to support better long-term outcomes through early intervention
• promotion of high-quality, evidence-based care informed by current clinical guidance and best practice
• a new quality improvement programme
• support for staff motivation and development, recognising the essential role dental teams play in delivering high-quality care

The full publication can be found on the link below:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/nhs-dentistry-quality-payment-reforms-contractual-guidance/