Dental surgeons respond to consultation on NHS dental contract

FDS responds to government consultation on dental contract reform 

The Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of England has consistently called for urgent and meaningful reform of the NHS dental contract. Today’s announcement marks a critical moment; it confirms what many frontline clinicians have been saying – the contract is actively undermining patient care and driving professionals away.  

Dr Charlotte Eckhardt, Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) at the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England) said:  

“The current contract continues to push dentists away from NHS work, particularly in areas of high deprivation and for patients with complex needs. This has serious implications for access to care, especially for children, where untreated dental issues can lead to pain, difficulty eating, and missed school days. The government’s consultation must now lead to a bold overhaul, not minor adjustments, that makes NHS dentistry sustainable, equitable, and focused on improving patient outcomes.” 

ENDS 

1. The Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of England is committed to enabling dentists and specialists to provide patients with the highest possible standards of practice and care. 
2. The Royal College of Surgeons of England provides world-class education, assessment, and development to 30,000 surgeons, dental professionals, and members of the wider surgical and dental care teams, at all stages of their careers. Our vision is to see excellent surgical care for everyone. We do this by setting professional standards, facilitating research and championing the best outcomes for patients.       
3. For more information, please contact the RCS England press office: telephone: 020 7869 6053/47; email: pressoffice@rcseng.ac.uk; out-of-hours media enquiries: 0207 869 6056.