NHS dentistry 2026: contract reform and bridging the access gap
NHS dentistry 2026: contract reform and bridging the access gap
This webinar will explore the current challenges facing NHS dentistry in England, examine proposed government reforms, and consider how NHS and private dentistry can work together to improve access to care and address unmet oral health needs.
By the end of this session, participants will understand the proposed NHS dental contract changes due to take effect from April 2026, their potential impact on patient access and NHS dental practice, and the wider implications for addressing oral health inequalities, including the role of resource allocation and private dentistry in supporting long-term oral health outcomes.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the key changes to the NHS dental contract proposed for implementation from April 2026 and the policy context driving reform
- Identify the potential impact of these contractual changes on patient access to NHS dental care and on the delivery of care for patients with complex needs
- Evaluate the challenges of addressing oral health inequality within the constraints of NHS resources, including the implications of limited funding
- Understand the role that private dentistry may play alongside NHS provision in helping to reduce oral health inequalities and improve long-term oral health outcomes.
Speaker: Nigel Jones
Nigel Jones is strategy director at Practice Plan, the UK’s leading provider of practice-branded dental plans. He has supported the development of successful private practices throughout the majority of his career, which spans more than 30 years.
Practice Plan has supported over 1,800 dental practices to transform the profitability of their business through the combination of a well-populated plan and personalised support including marketing, business advice, events and training.Speaker: Chris Groombridge
Chris Groombridge is joint managing director of 543 Dental Centre and chair of the charity Teeth Team. He’s Secretary of the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Dental Committee, a member of the Local Dental Network (LDN) for North Yorkshire and Humber and a director of the Associated Dental Groups.Speaker: Simon Thackeray
This continuing professional development (CPD) activity fully complies with the CPD requirements of the General Dental Council. FMC certifies this activity for one hour of enhanced CPD in the subject of NHS dentistry 2026: contract reform and bridging the access gap.
This CPD meets the criteria for the GDC’s development outcome B.
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