New NHS dentistry reforms unveiled but access challenges remain locally

Many people in North Yorkshire continue to tell us they are struggling to find an NHS dentist or access urgent treatment.

The Government has announced further reforms to NHS dentistry, including changes to the national dental contract and additional funding aimed at improving urgent care. While Healthwatch England has welcomed the renewed focus on improving access, it has warned that long standing challenges remain.

As these changes are introduced, it is important to understand what has been announced nationally and how this could affect dental services locally.

Healthwatch England has published its full position on NHS dentistry, which you can read here:

https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/news/2026-02-17/our-position-nhs-dentistry

Here is what has been announced nationally and what it could mean locally.

National reforms

A new NHS dental contract is expected to be published in April, with around 8 percent of focus and funding directed towards urgent care.

A national incentive scheme to attract dentists into areas with the greatest need has also been running. This scheme ends next month.

Healthwatch England has said that while these measures are positive steps, further action will be needed to address the underlying challenges facing NHS dentistry.

What is happening locally?

At the most recent Humber and North Yorkshire Local Dental Network meeting on 27 February 2026, updates were shared about recruitment, urgent care and service changes across the area.

The NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board is the NHS organisation responsible for planning and funding most local health services, including dentistry.

The Local Dental Network brings together NHS leaders and dental professionals, including Healthwatch, to help shape and oversee NHS dental services across the region.

Recruitment

Eight new dentists have been recruited across Humber and North Yorkshire through the national incentive scheme. Our local NHS is the only one in England to meet its recruitment target under this programme.

While this is positive news, demand for NHS dentistry remains high.

Urgent care

Improving access to urgent appointments remains a priority. The system has a target of delivering 27,000 urgent dental appointments but is not expected to meet this in full.

A seven week pilot offering Sunday urgent appointments took place across nine providers in the wider area, including one in North Yorkshire. This is currently being evaluated.

Support for children

Funding has been agreed for dental checks in special education schools, expected to begin in September 2026.

Targeted oral health activity also took place last summer in Scarborough and Bridlington, including free toothbrushes and awareness raising. Similar work is planned this year for older children, including activity in York and Hull.

Funding was also made available for child only dental practitioners. Twelve providers across the wider system took part, including one in North Yorkshire. This is being evaluated.

Community Dental Service changes

A new provider has been appointed for community dental services in North Yorkshire and York. The contract will transfer from Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust to Community Dental Care Community Interest Company, with a transition period planned. Timescales have not yet been confirmed.

The Community Dental Care Community Interest Company is a not for profit organisation that provides specialist NHS dental services for people with additional or complex needs.