Earlier this year, we examined the first wave of reforms to the NHS dental contract, which came into effect from April 2026. These initial changes marked a significant shift in policy, with a renewed focus on urgent care, prevention and quality improvement across NHS dentistry. The second wave of reforms is expected to come into force on 23 June 2026. These changes will further reshape how NHS dental services are commissioned, delivered and paid for, with important implications for providers, commissioners and dental groups.
From 23 June 2026
We can expect changes covering:
- Complex care pathways
- Changes to denture care
- Discretionary payments to include all NHS dental services and not just paid to those on the Dental Performers List
These reforms build on the April regulatory changes to improve access to urgent NHS dental care and support greater use of cost-effective, evidence-based prevention for children. In addition to these regulatory changes, a new funded quality improvement programme will be introduced together with funding towards annual appraisals for associate dentists, dental therapists and dental hygienists delivering NHS care.
For background on NHS England’s wider reform programme and the first wave of changes, you can read our earlier blog.
NHS England has also published resources for dental and ICB commissioning teams to support on dental check-up recall intervals together with details of NICE dental checks guidelines on the intervals between oral health reviews. NICE’s guidelines enable dental teams to tackle health inequalities, reducing clinically unnecessary check-ups for those with lower oral health risk and focuses resources on those with more complex dental care needs and supporting increased access for new patients. NHS England has also updated FP17DC forms to reflect the changes made as part of the 2026 quality and payment reforms to the dental contract.
In parallel, the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) launched a market study into private dentistry in the UK in March 2026. With most dental practices and groups undertaking a blend of both NHS and private dentistry, it is important for investors to understand the NHS contract shifts coming into force as well as the potential impact of the market study conclusions.
Do get in touch if you’d like to discuss the CMA’s regulatory processes and how they might impact your business or how we might support you or if you are an investor looking at the market opportunities.
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