A dentist has explained what the recently announced NHS dentistry reforms will mean for you in 2026 – and there might finally be some positive news on the horizon. Dr Emi Mawson has dissected a new press release by the Department of Health and Social Care, highlighting changes being rolled out in England that will benefit people grappling with complex dental problems. Labelled by the government as a “major overhaul” and “the most significant modernisation of the NHS dental contract in years”, the proposed changes follow a consultation with the dentistry sector and the public conducted earlier this year.
“Here’s the summary and what it means for you,” Dr Mawson began in a TikTok video. “One of the biggest changes is that urgent care is going to be made more accessible – this means if you have a toothache, a dental trauma, or a dental infection you should be able to access a dental appointment closer to home, more quickly and more easily.”
According to the dentist, there will also be “better care” for complex cases. She explained that those suffering from complex or severe dental conditions are more likely to be offered a long-term treatment plan rather than numerous “small appointments”.
Dr Mawson proceeded to highlight a “big boost for children’s teeth” as well. She added: “There will be more emphasis on preventative measures such as fluoride varnish applications and fissure sealants. There’s also going to be more water fluoridation being rolled out and the supervised brushing schemes for three to five-year olds (supporting up to 600,000 children).”
The Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed these measures will take effect from April 2026, with the overarching goal of making NHS dentistry “more accessible and fair”, prioritising patients with the most urgent treatment needs whilst emphasising preventative care. As health is a devolved matter, the reforms will only be implemented in England.
However, Dr Mawson voiced her primary concern, writing in a caption: “I fear NHS dentistry will become an emergency service.”
Responding to her video, one TikTok user complained: “I can’t even get an NHS dentist appointment. I don’t want to wait until I need urgent care.” Another person commented: “Until they actually increase the amount paid to dentists for NHS services, we won’t get to a point where we can have greater access closer to home. Dentists just aren’t taking up more than they have to. Often working at a financial loss.”
A third argued: “The only solution is to have a fair payment to dentists. Nothing else will work. Itemised fee structure reflecting true costs. The government will realise the costs will be close to private costs. Sadly anything short of this will not work at all.”
While a fourth TikTok user observed: “This sounds good, or better. But there’s not enough dentists. Why can’t the government fund dentists? When they pass they have to work in the NHS to repay the cost of tuition before they can go private.”
Care minister Stephen Kinnock commented on the reforms: “These changes will make it easier for anyone with urgent dental needs to get NHS treatment, preventing painful conditions from spiralling into avoidable hospital admissions.
“This is about putting patients first and supporting those with the greatest need, while backing our NHS dentists, making the contract more attractive, and giving them the resources to deliver more. This marks the first step towards a new era for NHS dentistry after a decade of decline, one that delivers for patients and our dedicated dental professionals.”
Jason Wong, England’s chief dental officer, stated: “Dentists have been working tirelessly to care for patients, and I want to thank them for their dedication. We listened closely to the profession, and these reforms are centred on improving patients’ experience, from getting urgent care more easily to supporting longer-term and preventative treatment, especially for children.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
