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This Week in Dentistry: 4 key Dental news stories Dentists should know about.
- Dr Dan Shaffer
- Jul 25
- 3 min read
Staying informed on the latest developments in dentistry 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.
27th July 2025 | The Business of Dentistry | Dental news
This week’s headlines reflect a shifting landscape across dentistry in the UK from record breaking regulatory performance to warnings over immigration reform and oral hygiene awareness. Here’s what’s happening, and what it means for your practice.
🏛️ GDC Reports Record Year for Registrations in 2024
The General Dental Council has released its 2024 Annual Report, revealing a record-breaking number of new registrants across the profession. This performance was credited to improved internal systems and an increase in applications from internationally qualified professionals. The report also outlined ongoing improvements to Fitness to Practise (FtP) case handling.
What it means for you:A growing register could help ease recruitment pressures especially in areas where DCP vacancies have been hard to fill. With continued reforms in FtP, there may also be a cultural shift within the GDC toward more timely and transparent regulation.
🌍 Immigration Rule Changes Raise Alarm Over Workforce Access
The British Dental Association (BDA) has voiced serious concerns about proposed government changes to immigration policy. If adopted, these rules could restrict the pipeline of overseas dental professionals a move that would further impact patient access and widen existing care gaps.
What it means for you:For practices that depend on international team members or plan to recruit in the near future this is a wake-up call. Workforce planning must account for increased regulation and longer lead times in onboarding talent from abroad.
🏥 NHS Dental Contract Reform Consultation Opens
A new government consultation on NHS dentistry aims to address urgent and complex oral health needs. The reforms will focus on patients with advanced decay, periodontal disease, or acute presentations, potentially shifting how NHS practices prioritise and are remunerated for care delivery.
What it means for you:This may signal a move away from one size fits all dentistry within the NHS. Those holding contracts or considering one should pay attention to how UDAs might be recalibrated and how needs-based care will influence patient flow and funding.
🪥 Brushing Blind: Poor Technique Driving Preventable Disease
New data from the Oral Health Foundation reveals that millions of people are brushing their teeth incorrectly, despite brushing regularly. The campaign warns that poor technique is contributing to high levels of decay and gum disease, particularly among children and lower-income households.
What it means for you:This presents an opportunity to position your practice as a leader in preventive education. Consider using this messaging in your hygiene campaigns, patient newsletters, or on social media to reinforce the importance of technique not just frequency.
In Summary
Policy, regulation, access, and prevention, the four pillars of dentistry in 2025 are all in motion. For forward thinking practice owners, responding early to these trends could make the difference between adapting and falling behind.
We’ll return next week with more curated insight for your dental business.
Until then, visit www.bizdentistry.com for blogs, resources, and updates that help you grow with confidence.
💡 BizDentistry Takeaway:
While the headlines might seem disconnected, the message is clear: the future of dentistry isn’t waiting for NHS reform. It’s being shaped by patient demand, private innovation, and technology readiness today. Successful practices will act now — not react later.
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