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Dental workforce expansion and contract reforms
10 March 2026
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department of Health and Social Care
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement addresses the expansion of the dental workforce and reforms to the dental contract in the NHS.
Action Requested
The government has increased the maximum fundable limit for dental school places from 809 to 859 for the 2027/28 academic year, and will require newly qualified dentists to practice in the NHS for a minimum period. A £421,850 grant has been awarded to the RCS to expand the LDS exam, and UCL Consultants Ltd will provide the ORE from April 2026. Dental charges will be increased from April 2026, but exemptions and financial support will remain for those who need it.
Key Facts
- The dental workforce is being expanded from 809 to 859 places for the 2027/28 academic year.
- Newly qualified dentists will be required to practice in the NHS for a minimum period from the 2027/28 academic year.
- £421,850 in grant funding has been awarded to the Royal College of Surgeons to expand the LDS exam.
- UCL Consultants Ltd will provide the Overseas Registration Exam from 1 April 2026.
- Dental patient charges will increase from 1 April 2026: Band 1 from £27.40 to £27.90, Band 2 from £75.30 to £76.60, Band 3 from £326.70 to £332.10.
- Dental charge exemptions remain for certain groups.
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