Weekly Dental News Roundup – 11 August 2025
(GB) United Kingdom
NHS Dental Contract Reforms Prioritise Complex & Urgent Cases
On 8 July 2025, the Department of Health announced proposals to reshape the NHS dental contract. These include new care pathways to improve access for patients with severe decay or gum disease, introducing preventative treatments like fluoride varnish without mandatory check-ups, and requiring urgent care provision. The reforms aim to enable 700,000 extra dental appointments annually.
Read more here (Free Access)
Consultation Launched on Dental Contract Quality & Payment Reforms
Also on 8 July 2025, a consultation opened for public and professional feedback on reforms designed to remove financial disincentives for treating complex cases. It emphasises preventive and unscheduled care, with consultation responses due by 19 August 2025.
Read more here (Free Access)
Access: Free access
MPs Criticise Earlier Dental Recovery Plan as a 'Comprehensive Failure'
A report from the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee labelled the previous NHS dental recovery strategy ineffective. Despite £200M in funding, recruitment targets were missed, mobile units scrapped, and access declined.
Read more here (Paywall Possible)
Mobile Outreach Clinics Tackle Oral Health Inequalities in Rural England
Wiltshire Council has launched a pilot programme delivering 18 mobile dental clinics across rural areas. These clinics provide oral health assessments, fillings, and cancer screenings to vulnerable groups, including the homeless and those with substance use issues.
Read more here (Free Access)
Burnout a Growing Concern: 27% of Dental Teams Reporting Depression
A Scottish study has found over a quarter of primary care dental professionals reporting depressive symptoms, and more than half experiencing emotional exhaustion—highlighting the human cost of workforce pressures.
Read more here (Registration Required)
(AU) Australia
New ICC risk assessment tools offer time-saving boost for dental teams
Launched on 11 August 2025, the Australian Dental Association introduced new interprofessional care coordination tools to streamline patient risk assessments and enhance collaboration among dental teams.
Read more here (Free Access)
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Dental Health Week 2025 generates significant media coverage
The ADA’s Dental Health Week campaign, held during 4–10 August, focused on paediatric oral health ('Reach Every S‑milestone') and received wide media attention for its community outreach and public impact.
Read more here (Free Access)
Volunteers sought for Pregnancy, Baby & Child Expo 2025
The ADA is recruiting dentists and final-year students to deliver oral health messaging at the upcoming Expo, scheduled for October. A fantastic opportunity for public engagement and community promotion.
Read more here (Free Access)
(NZ) New Zealand
National Advocacy Roadshow launched to transform dental care
On 11 August 2025, a nationwide advocacy roadshow was launched to raise awareness and push for systemic reforms in how dental care is delivered in New Zealand. The initiative aims to tackle disparities between urban and rural areas.
Read more here (Free Access)
NZDA to unveil 'Roadmap Toward Better Oral Health 2025–2030' at Parliament
The NZDA is set to present its 2025–2030 strategic roadmap at Parliament on 21 August 2025. The plan outlines goals for improving nationwide oral health, influencing policy, and supporting workforce development.
Read more here (Free Access)
Study Group: Practical workshop on replacing missing teeth in Christchurch
On 14 August 2025, Dr Paul Cashman will lead a hands-on CPD workshop covering both fixed and removable prosthetic solutions for replacing missing teeth.
Read more here (Free Access)
