Recommendation 7

In our evidence session we asked NHSE if it would be better to rip up the NHS dental contract and start again, following a consultation with dentists to establish what their requirements are from a new system. NHSE’s response was “that is exactly what we are going to do”,10 and it also accepted that the current contract is no longer fit for purpose.11 In later correspondence 4 C&AG’s Report, paras 1.7, 1.9, 1.27 5 C&AG’s Report, para 1 6 Qq 12, 13 and 81 7 C&AG’s Report, para 11 8 House of Commons Library, NHS dentistry in England (Research briefing), published 29 May 2024. See page 22 9 NHS, NHS dental services in England: An independent review by Professor Jimmy Steele, published June 2009. See page 27 10 Q 32 11 Q 12 9 NHSE reiterated its commitment to fundamentally reforming the dental contract, said it was progressing discussions with ministers on the options, and added that it recognised the “urgency of the situation”.12