DHSC launches survey to inform NHS dental contract reform

Dentists across England are being urged to take part in a new nationwide survey to help inform the government’s long-term dental reform programme.

© lafayett zapata montero/unsplash

© lafayett zapata montero/unsplash

The survey will gather information on the costs and pressures involved in running a dental practice.

The survey's results will support the development of the government's dental reform programme and the annual pay review process conducted by the independent Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration (DDRB).

Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said: ‘We have already rolled out an extra 700,000 urgent dentistry appointments and introduced a supervised toothbrushing programme to prevent tooth decay in young children in the most deprived communities.

‘More work is needed, but to find the right solution we must make sure we are clear about the problem. Through this survey, we will gain a better understanding of the pressures faced by the sector so we can fix them and deliver better care for patients through our Plan for Change.'

Practice owners who complete the anonymous survey can also register their interest in participating in follow-up interviews to provide more detailed insights into the financial challenges they face.

The survey is open to all dental practices across England until 16 June 2025.

 

Only two in five adults accessing NHS dental care

Only two in five adults accessing NHS dental care

By Lee Peart 28 August 2026

Only two in five (40%) of adults in England have accessed NHS dental care in the last two years, NHS Business Services Authority data has revealed.

Dentistry becoming 'two-tier service', Nuffield Trust finds

By Lee Peart 24 August 2026

Dentistry is ‘quietly being transformed into a two-tier service’, according to Nuffield Trust analysis.

Over a quarter of NHS staff spend a day a week on admin, survey finds

By Lee Peart 13 August 2026

Over a quarter of staff spend more than 10 hours a week on admin, according to YouGov research commissioned by corporate services provider NHS Shared Busines...


Popular articles by Liz Wells