Promise and Pitfalls
Key contact: Jon Lawley
The Welsh Government has launched a consultation around its proposed reform of NHS General Dental Services. This envisages a significant shift in the way general dental care is delivered and managed in Wales. Aimed at improving access, quality, and sustainability, the consultation outlines several structural changes. We take a look at the potential impact of NHS Dental Services Reform in Wales.
While the vision for a more patient-centred and preventative model is commendable, the potential impact on NHS dentistry in Wales is complex, with both opportunities and risks.
Positive Impacts
- One of the most promising aspects of the reform is its emphasis on quality over quantity. Moving away from the long-criticised Units of Dental Activity (UDA) model, the proposed changes encourage a more holistic and preventive approach to care. This could lead to better long-term oral health outcomes, particularly for underserved communities and high-needs patients.
- Improved leave policies, including better parental and sickness leave arrangements, signal a more supportive working environment for dental professionals, with the aim being to enhance job satisfaction and improve staff retention at a time when the profession is under considerable pressure. While critics will point to the fact that the proposed changes were implemented in England 8 years ago, it does at least bring Wales in line with what is offered over the border.
- The focus on developing “clusters” of dental practices – encouraging collaboration and shared resources – could also drive innovation and resilience in service delivery. These networks have the potential to reduce duplication, improve efficiency, and foster stronger local planning tailored to community needs.
Concerns
Despite these positives, significant concerns remain about the feasibility and timing of implementation.
- Dental professionals are especially critical of the financial model underpinning the reforms. Many practices face the risk of financial penalties under new performance-based targets, which are seen as untested and potentially punitive. Coupled with perceived lack of ‘ownership’ over patient lists through the creation of the Dental Access Portal, this uncertainty could prompt some providers to scale back NHS commitments or leave the public system altogether – exacerbating the existing access crisis.
- The consultation follows hot on the heels of the Welsh Government’s recent 6% uplift in funding tied to mandatory reform measures which was viewed by many as inadequate, especially when compared to the 11% increase granted to GPs. Without more substantial financial investment, there is a risk that the proposed contract reform will be seen as cost-cutting in disguise, rather than genuine improvements.
Conclusion
The Welsh Government’s proposals offer a welcome attempt at transforming NHS dentistry into a more patient-focused and sustainable service. However, the practical impact of these reforms will depend heavily on how they are implemented and funded. If concerns from dental professionals go unaddressed, there is a real danger that the reforms may deepen existing problems rather than resolve them.
Constructive dialogue, transparent evaluation, and adaptive policy mechanisms will be essential to ensure these changes lead to lasting, positive outcomes for both patients and providers.
The consultation runs until 19 June 2025 – if you are a general dental professional in Wales be sure to have your say here.
For advice in connection with the impact NHS Dental Services Reform in Wales, or with support in buying or selling a dental practice, contact our Corporate Healthcare team.
