A dentist has explained what newly-announced NHS dentistry reforms will mean for you in 2026 - and there could finally be good news on the horizon. Dr Emi Mawson has broken down a new press release by the Department of Health and Social Care, also highlighting changes being introduced in England that will benefit children and people suffering with complex dental issues.

Described by the government as a "major overhaul" and "the most significant modernisation of the NHS dental contract in years", the changes come following a consultation with the dentistry sector and the public that took place earlier this year.

"Here's the summary and what it means for you," Dr Mawson began in a video. "One of the biggest changes is that urgent care is going to be made more accessible - this means if you have a toothache, a dental trauma, or a dental infection you should be able to access a dental appointment closer to home, more quickly and more easily."

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According to the dentist there is also going to be "better care" for complex cases. She elaborated that those suffering with complex or severe dental conditions are more likely to be offered a long-term treatment plan rather than lots of "small appointments".

Dr Mawson went on to highlight a "big boost for children's teeth" too. She added: "There will be more emphasis on preventative measures such as fluoride varnish applications and fissure sealants.

"There's also going to be more water fluoridation being rolled out and the supervised brushing schemes for three to five-year olds (supporting up to 600,000 children)."

According to the Department of Health and Social Care, these changes are set to come into effect in April 2026, with an overall aim of making NHS dentistry "more accessible and fair", and prioritising those with the greatest need for treatment, and to focus on more preventative measures. Health is a devolved area, meaning the changes will only apply in England. Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, each run their own health services.

Dr Mawson also expressed her biggest fear, however, penning in a caption: "I fear NHS dentistry will become an emergency service."

Writing in response to her clip, one TikTok user hit out: "I can't even get an NHS dentist appointment. I don't want to wait until I need urgent care."

A second person added: "Until they actually increase the amount paid to dentists for NHS services, we won’t get to a point where we can have greater access closer to home. Dentists just aren’t taking up more than they have to. Often working at a financial loss."

A third claimed: "The only solution is to have a fair payment to dentists. Nothing else will work. Itemised fee structure reflecting true costs. The government will realise the costs will be close to private costs. Sadly anything short of this will not work at all."

While a fourth TikTok user noted: "This sounds good, or better. But there's not enough dentists. Why can't the government fund dentists? When they pass they have to work in the NHS to repay the cost of tuition before they can go private."

The government's minister for care Stephen Kinnock said of the changes: "These changes will make it easier for anyone with urgent dental needs to get NHS treatment, preventing painful conditions from spiralling into avoidable hospital admissions.

"This is about putting patients first and supporting those with the greatest need, while backing our NHS dentists, making the contract more attractive, and giving them the resources to deliver more. This marks the first step towards a new era for NHS dentistry after a decade of decline, one that delivers for patients and our dedicated dental professionals."

And Jason Wong, chief dental officer for England, added: "Dentists have been working tirelessly to care for patients, and I want to thank them for their dedication. We listened closely to the profession, and these reforms are centred on improving patients’ experience, from getting urgent care more easily to supporting longer-term and preventative treatment, especially for children."