Weekly Dental News Roundup – Week of 18 August 2025
United Kingdom
NHS Dentistry Contract Reforms Move ForwardOn 5 August, the government unveiled a plan to address the dental crisis—introducing 700,000 additional appointments, improved access for advanced periodontal and caries cases, and tighter incentives to treat complex procedures.
NHS Dentistry Contract Consultation Still Open
A government consultation is underway to reshape quality and payment models in NHS dental care. Submissions are being accepted and dental professionals are encouraged to contribute.
Burnout Alarming: UK Dental Teams’ Mental Health Under Spotlight
A study highlighted over 25% of dental professionals report depression and emotional exhaustion—stark indicators of workforce strain.
New Guidance for Community Dental Service Waiting List Collection
NHS England released updated guidance governing waiting list data collection across Community Dental Services—ensuring better data flow and operational clarity from August 2025.
UK Dentistry Faces Structural Reform to Stem Public Health Crisis
Experts warn the system is faltering, with one in four UK adults having unmet NHS dental needs. The government's reform proposals are viewed as urgent attempts to staunch the decline.
Australia
ADA Launches ICC Tools to Streamline Risk Assessments
On 11 August, the ADA introduced interprofessional care coordination tools designed to improve in-practice efficiency and patient workflow.
Dental Health Week Earns Widespread Media Coverage
ADA’s 4–10 August campaign successfully elevated paediatric oral health messaging nationwide.
Volunteers Now Sought for Baby & Child Expo
ADA is looking for volunteers to promote early oral health education at the upcoming Pregnancy, Baby & Child Expo (October).
New Zealand
NZDA Roadmap Launch at Parliament Next Week
The NZDA’s “Roadmap Toward Better Oral Health 2025–2030” will be officially unveiled at Parliament on 21 August—detailing strategic goals for policy and workforce development.
NZDA’s National Advocacy Roadshow Hits the Road
A new campaign is touring urban and rural areas nationwide, aimed at raising awareness and reforming dental care delivery.
???? International Spotlight
Keratin from Hair and Wool Could Repair Tooth Enamel
Researchers at King’s College London found that keratin—a protein found in hair and wool—can bond with saliva minerals to form enamel-like coatings that are five to six times harder than current resins. Potential applications in toothpaste or clinical gels could revolutionise enamel repair.
