A significant overhaul has been announced for the NHS dental contract in Wales, with a fresh focus on prevention and oral health need.
Released today (23 September), it is the first major reform of the contract in 20 years.
Under the new proposals – which come following a consultation in the summer – the current unit of dental activity (UDA) system will be scrapped. Instead, people will be seen based on their oral health needs, with those who need active treatment or support to maintain their oral health will be seen more regularly.
Those who pay for NHS treatment will pay 50% of their treatment package value, capped at a maximum of £384 regardless of how much care they need. This is a reduction from the 55% originally proposed.
The Welsh Government hopes it ensures NHS dental care remains affordable and protects patients from unexpected costs.
Commitment to accessible dentistry
The new contract also includes an increase in NHS payment rates, with general fee rates rising from the proposed £135 to £150 per hour.
Controversial proposals that would have seen patients being allocated to any available practice – rather than staying with just one – have also been dropped.
Under the new system, practices will receive payments to continue seeing existing patients for recall appointments, with dentists free to monitor oral health based on individual risk and need.
The changes will come into force in April 2026.
Cabinet secretary for health and social care in Wales Jeremy Miles said: ‘Good oral health is vital to our quality of life.
‘These reforms demonstrate our commitment to making NHS dentistry more accessible, fairer, and sustainable for both patients and professionals.
‘We have listened to people and it is clear the trust and reassurance which comes with seeing the same dental professional over time is valued. We are making sure this is maintained in the new contract.’
‘Superficial repairs’ to NHS dentistry
However, Russell Gidney, chair of the British Dental Association’s Welsh General Dental Practice Committee, welcomed the changes but voiced caution.
‘The Welsh Government says it has listened to the public and our profession, but we need to see the small print,’ he said.
‘There are some important wins here. But plastering over a few of the biggest cracks is just superficial repairs.
‘Ministers are taking forward the biggest changes NHS dentistry in Wales has ever seen via a route that will all but rule out fixes once draft laws reach the Senedd.
‘If our MSs can’t iron out the creases later, the Welsh Government must ensure real threats to this service don’t make the final cut of their plans.’
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