The Welsh Government has announced proposed reforms to NHS Dental Services in Wales, due to start in April 2026. There was a public consultation open until 19th June 2025—a vital opportunity for patients, dental professionals, and the wider public to shape the future of NHS dentistry.

What These Changes Could Mean for You.

• No formal patient registration – Once your oral health is classified as “stable,” you’ll be referred to a central Dental Access Portal until your next exam in 18–24 months
• Rotating care model – Instead of returning to the same dentist, you’ll be assigned to a different practice for your next course of treatment. This raises concerns about continuity of care and may signal the end of the traditional family dental practice
• Limited appointment availability at recall – Due to increased demand and no extra funding, routine dental examinations may move to 24-month intervals, a significant shift from the 6-monthly recalls many patients are used to in previous years
• No centralised patient records – Currently, there is no system in place to share your notes or x-rays between practices, potentially impacting the quality and consistency of your care
• No increase in funding – Without additional investment, expanding access for new patients could reduce availability for those already under care
• Potential fee increases – NHS treatment fees may rise under the proposed system