What NHS dental reforms mean for your children’s teeth – and how it could save you hundreds of pounds

Here’s what it means for you and your children, and how it could make those stressful dentist visits a lot less painful (in more ways than one).

What's actually changing – and when?

The reforms are part of what the government is calling a “rescue plan for NHS dentistry”, following months of growing concern about access, waiting times and rising costs.

The changes will come into effect from April 2026, and they include:

• Easier access to urgent dental care close to home
• Longer, joined-up treatment plans for complex dental problems
• New incentives for dentists to prioritise patients in greatest need
• A national supervised toothbrushing programme for 3–5-year-olds
• Fluoride varnish and fissure sealants offered more widely to children

The government says this is “the most significant modernisation of the NHS dental contract in years.”

Less hassle, fewer appointments – and a potential £225 saving

If you've ever needed more than a quick filling, you’ll know how frustrating it is to book and coordinate multiple dental appointments – especially during school term time or while juggling work.

Under the new system, families will be able to access “a single comprehensive package of treatment” tailored to their needs, rather than booking a series of separate appointments.

This approach could save families both time and money, with the government estimating a potential £225 saving on fees for adult patients with complex needs such as gum disease or decay in several teeth.

Easier access to urgent care – so you're not driving miles in a dental emergency

Toothache in the middle of the night? A fall at the playground that chips a tooth? These moments are stressful enough without the added burden of trying to find a dentist who'll see you.

Under the new reforms, urgent care will become a core part of what NHS dental practices must provide, with dentists fairly paid for delivering it.

That means parents won’t have to travel out of area or call dozens of practices to get an emergency appointment.

Urgent care includes:

• Severe tooth pain
• Dental infections
• Trauma to teeth (e.g. accidents)
• Other conditions that need rapid treatment

Big focus on prevention – starting from preschool

One of the most exciting developments for families is a national roll-out of supervised toothbrushing in nurseries and early years settings, aimed at 3–5-year-olds.

This means thousands of children will start their day with a fluoride-based toothbrushing routine, supervised by staff, helping embed healthy habits early.

The programme has already delivered 2 million toothbrushes and toothpastes and will reach up to 600,000 children this year.

In addition, dental nurses will be encouraged to apply fluoride varnish to children’s teeth – a protective coating that reduces the risk of cavities. Dentists will also receive better payment for using fissure sealants on children’s molars, another proven decay-prevention method.

Will it be easier to find an NHS dentist?

This remains the million-pound question for many families. While these reforms don’t directly address the shortage of NHS dentists in some areas, the aim is to make the existing budget work harder, and offer incentives that keep dentists in the NHS system longer.

Plans also include:

• More support for dental staff through annual reviews and training
• Government funding to help cover sick leave
• Clearer guidance on NHS contracts and benefits

What the government says

Health officials hope these changes will mean better care for the patients who need it most, and more children accessing prevention-based dentistry from a young age.

“These reforms will make urgent dental care a core part of what NHS dental practices must provide… saving [patients] from travelling out of their area,” the government said in its statement today.

And while April 2026 might feel far off, many of the child-focused initiatives – including toothbrushing schemes and fluoride varnish rollouts – are already underway.

For mums juggling everything from school runs to sleepless nights, any move that makes healthcare more accessible (and less chaotic) is welcome news. And this one, crucially, puts children's dental health firmly on the agenda.

Read more:

• Baby teeth chart: when and how your baby’s teeth grow
• Teething rash in babies: Symptoms and relief tips
• How to protect your child’s teeth — and “healthy” foods that are actually full of sugar to avoid