Weekly Dental News Roundup – Week of 25 August 2025
United Kingdom
Community Dental Service (CDS) Dentists to Get 4% Pay Rise
The DDRB recommended a 4% pay increase for CDS and Public Dental Service dentists, accepted by the UK governments — with a wider review of pay progression underway to tackle recruitment and retention.
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Official NHS Pay Award Confirmed
The Department of Health confirmed a 4% consolidated uplift for doctors, dentists, and other staff in England, backdated to April 1. Notably, this includes salaried dentists and the pay element of NHS dental contracts.
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NHS Workforce Written Statement Details Pay Implementation
Parliamentary written statements clarify that both contract pay and training salaries—including an extra £750 for those in training—will be increased as per the DDRB recommendation.
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Mobile Clinics Revived—Outreach to Underserved Populations
Wiltshire Council has launched a pilot of 18 mobile dental outreach clinics across supported accommodation in Trowbridge, Chippenham, and Salisbury, delivering comprehensive care like check-ups, fillings, and cancer screening to people facing rough sleeping, substance use, or homelessness.
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Teledentistry Pilot in Highlands & Islands
A 12-month teledentistry trial was carried out in remote NHS practices in the Scottish Highlands (Kingussie) and Orkney, connecting them to a restorative specialist in Aberdeen. The evaluation highlighted significant cost savings (especially for Orkney patients) and promising access improvements.
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Australia
Abysmal Uptake of Health Scheme
ADA survey data shows that over 1.5 million eligible children are not using the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, with confusion prevalent in parent populations.
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CDBS Benefit Cap Increased for 2025–26
The annual benefits cap for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule has been raised to AU$1,132, effective from January 1, 2025.
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ADA Parent Survey Highlights Flossing Neglect
A survey of 25,000 adults found that while 68% of children brush twice daily, over three-quarters never floss or have it done by parents—ADA urges first dental visit by age one.
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New Zealand
Untreated Tooth Decay Crisis Grows—Action Urgent
NZ Dental Association warns that one in three adults suffer from untreated decay. The Oral Health Roadmap outlines calls for a sugary drink levy, water fluoridation, diverse workforce, and better integration into healthcare.
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400,000 More Kiwis Now in Fluoridated Communities
Since March, access to fluoridated drinking water has expanded to 400,000 more people, which is expected to reduce tooth decay and hospitalisations, especially in children.
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International Spotlight
Magnetic Nanobots Promise Relief for Tooth Sensitivity
India-based startup Theranautilus has created 'CalBots' — magnetic nanobots that block exposed tubules to stop sensitivity. Early results show complete recovery in preliminary tests.
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