Campaigning for change in UK dentistry

Priorities

Learn about our current priorities.

Lobbying

Learn about our lobbying work in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Take action

Learn how to get involved in our campaigns.

General election 2024

NHS dentistry is a priority

Dentistry was a headline issue in the 2024 General Election. As a local concern, voters placed dentistry above traditional doorstep issues like schools, and even crime. Our message goes to all parties: We need more than tweaks if NHS dentistry is going to survive. Read our priorities for the new parliament.

Our manifesto

Latest news

Northern Ireland: Amalgam breakthrough must pave the way for essential dental service reform

On 19 July, the European Commission agreed to the continued use of dental amalgam in Northern Ireland until 31 December 2034, or until a date agreed under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, whichever is earlier.

Scotland: No complacency over future of NHS dentistry

Payment reform represents progress but is not final destination for NHS dentistry in Scotland.

Tell us about the pressures you face in our short GDP survey

We want to understand your views on NHS pay, dentists leaving the field, and patient access to vital services. Make sure your voice gets heard at the most pivotal moment for the profession in decades.

Scotland: Share your views with the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry

The Let’s Be Heard team has developed a specific survey to help the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry understand your views on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Northern Ireland: GDS crisis raised with Stormont Health Committee

On Thursday, we briefed Members of the Legislative Assembly on the seriousness of the situation unfolding within Health Service dentistry.

England: Tie-ins won’t halt exodus from service

‘Tying-in’ inexperienced younger dentists will never compensate for the ongoing losses of older, experienced colleagues fuelled by the discredited NHS contract

Extend miscarriage leave for NHS GDPs

We are calling on NHS England to extend its recently updated miscarriage policy for NHS GDPs.

DoH confirms move on trainee pay scales

The Department of Health (DoH) has confirmed that Dental Core Trainees (DCTs) in Northern Ireland will no longer be paid at Foundation Year 2, but will be placed on higher StR pay scales.

NHS Practitioner Health lives on, but needs a long term future

NHS England have finally commuted an eleventh-hour death sentence for NHS Practitioner Health coverage for hospital dentists and doctors.

Stormont warned NHS dentistry in its ‘final days’

This service needs a lifeline, if we’re going to protect it from the hammer blow of the ban on amalgam fillings.

Charge hike a slap in the face for hard pressed families

Another year, another round of stealth cuts.

Provisional registration plans: Ministers try to fill leaky bucket

Once again government is failing to address the root causes of the crisis in NHS dentistry, with plans to fast-track in overseas dentists through a new system of provisional registration.