5 key Dental news stories Dentists should know about.

This Week’s Dental News Round-Up: from energy drink bans and NHS pay uplifts to GDC guidance changes, workforce training expansion, and access reforms in Wales.

Staying informed on the latest developments in dental news isn’t just good business it’s essential for making sound decisions about your practice’s future. Here’s this week’s curated round up of the most important UK dental news, with quick, actionable insights for Dentists.

Summary Table

1. Ban on energy drinks for under-16s gains dentist backing

The UK government has launched a consultation on banning the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s. These drinks are not only high in caffeine but often packed with sugar and acids that accelerate tooth decay and enamel erosion. The British Dental Association and leading dentists have strongly backed the move, citing mounting evidence of the harm caused to both oral and overall health.

Schools, parents, and health organisations have long called for tighter regulation, with studies showing that nearly 70% of teenagers regularly consume energy drinks. For dental teams, this is another reminder of how lifestyle choices directly impact oral disease, especially in younger patients.

Why it matters for dentists: This consultation offers an opportunity for the profession to demonstrate leadership in public health, aligning clinical concerns with government priorities. It may also give practices an opening to proactively educate patients and communities about diet and oral health.

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2. NHS dentist pay uplift of 3.55% branded “unsustainable”

The Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed a 3.55% uplift in NHS dental contract values for 2025. On the surface, this looks like progress — but many within the sector argue the reality is different. Rising inflation, soaring staff wages, laboratory fees, and material costs mean that most practices will still find themselves operating at a deficit when relying heavily on NHS activity.

The BDA has described the uplift as “unsustainable,” warning that it risks further erosion of NHS dentistry. Already, a significant proportion of practices are reducing NHS commitment or moving to mixed/private models.

Why it matters for dentists: For practice owners tied into NHS contracts, financial viability remains a major concern. For associates, the uplift may have little to no effect on take-home pay. This story will fuel the ongoing debate about whether NHS dentistry can survive in its current form — and whether private provision is becoming the inevitable future.

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3. GDC updates scope of practice guidance

The General Dental Council (GDC) has released updated guidance on the scope of practice for different members of the dental team. This revision clarifies what treatments and procedures fall within the legal and regulatory remit of dentists, hygienists, therapists, and dental nurses.

The changes are designed to ensure safe delegation, reduce ambiguity, and reflect the realities of modern team-based dentistry. However, the updates will require practice owners and managers to review role allocation, training, and compliance procedures. Failure to align with the guidance could expose practices to regulatory risk.

Why it matters for dentists: Team structures may need adjustment. For example, dental therapists and hygienists may gain increased clarity on where their work begins and ends, while dentists may need to rethink how they delegate certain treatments. This could improve efficiency if implemented well — but practices must ensure staff are up to date and indemnity policies are aligned with the changes.

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4. UCLan expands dental training facilities

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has announced a major expansion of its dental training facilities, opening new clinical teaching sites and increasing student capacity. This development is part of a national push to address chronic workforce shortages, with the government also funding additional training places across UK dental schools.

Students will now gain more hands-on experience in real patient care environments earlier in their training, strengthening their readiness for practice. The move comes amid repeated calls from NHS England and health leaders for more qualified dentists to help plug gaps in NHS provision.

Why it matters for dentists: While this will not solve short-term recruitment issues, it’s a positive signal for the long-term workforce pipeline. Practice owners may benefit from a greater supply of new graduates in the coming years, although the challenge remains: will these graduates stay in NHS dentistry or migrate rapidly to private practice?

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5. Ongoing reforms and access concerns in Wales

NHS dental reforms in Wales are under review as the government tries to modernise contracts and incentivise prevention. However, early evidence suggests patient access has not significantly improved, and waiting times remain stubbornly high. Meanwhile, similar concerns about access are echoed across the UK, with many practices unable to accept new NHS patients.

Reports highlight the growing divide between NHS and private provision. With public frustration rising, dentistry remains a political issue that is unlikely to disappear in the run-up to the next election cycle.

Why it matters for dentists: Practices in Wales will need to monitor reforms closely, as contract changes may alter how income is generated. Across the UK, the growing access crisis represents both a reputational risk for the profession and a business opportunity for private providers.

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