The government is proposing a swathe of changes to tackle satisfaction with NHS dentistry falling to a record low, as it launches a major consultation on NHS dentistry contract to increase the amount of care.

For example, it is currently less cost-effective for dentists to take on patients who need more complex and extensive treatments such as crowns, bridges and dentures. The government is proposing to overhaul failing approaches like these and incentivise dentists more.

A new, special course of treatment for patients with severe gum disease or with at least five teeth with tooth decay, more money for denture modifications, and a requirement for dentists to deliver a set amount of urgent and unscheduled care each year, are also part of the government's plans for dental contract reform.

The government will also bring in robust preventative measures for children's teeth, including better use of tooth resin sealants for children with a history of dental decay and applying fluoride varnish on children's teeth without a full dental check-up. This follows the latest stats showing that 22.4% of 5-year-old schoolchildren in England had experience of obvious dental decay, with tooth decay the most common reason for hospital admissions in children aged between 5 and 9 years old.

Measures to make dental staff feel rewarded, incentivised and a bigger part of the NHS are also part of the government's proposed package.

Health minister, Stephen Kinnock, said: ‘To get us to a place where patients feel NHS dentistry is reliable again, we have to tackle the problems in the system at their root.

‘These reforms will bring common sense into the system again, attracting more NHS dentists, treating those with the greatest need first and changing the system to make it work.'

The consultation will run for six weeks, closing on 19 August 2025.