There is a lot going on in dentistry right now. The headlines are constantly highlighting stories of UK-wide patient backlogs, the problems in NHS dentistry, changing patient expectations and optimising multidisciplinary approaches to health and dental care. For dental professionals, there is much to stay on top of in order to continue providing the best possible care to patients now and in the future. In fact, given the turbulence of the economy and the profession in recent years, it has never been more important to plan for what might come next.
Recalibrating access
One of the greatest challenges in dentistry right now is significantly reduced access to high-quality dental care for a huge proportion of the population. For many professionals, finding a solution is a priority for the immediate future. BDA figures from 2024[i] suggest that 13 million adults are unable to access NHS dentistry, with 5.6 million having unsuccessfully tried to book an appointment in the previous 2 years. An alternative needs to be offered – one that is affordable without compromising quality of care. Is the answer a low-cost private membership plan? Drastic NHS contract reform? Something else? The only thing that is widely agreed upon is that the upcoming revolution in dentistry will need to re-establish a spotlight on prevention. Only time, fresh ideas and increased support from the government will tell, but the collective knowledge and passion from the profession will be integral to decisions made by the powers that be.
Sustainability
Moving away from patient care, there are decisions to be made in how businesses across the dental industry play their part in protecting the environment. If and how dentistry really can go green continues to be a passionate debate in dentistry, with several challenges that are yet to be overcome. For example, single-use items, especially plastics, remain integral to comply with health and safety standards, making their complete eradication impossible.
However, new ways of minimising single-use solutions, as well as innovative new approaches to clinical waste management could reduce the impact that dental practices have on the natural world in years to come. This will require collaboration between a broad number of organisations and experts, as waste facilities tailor their processes to meet the evolving needs of dentistry to achieve elevated sustainability.
Tomorrow’s workforce
Staff recruitment challenges have been rife across the profession in recent years. A 2024 Whitepaper[ii] suggested that the supply of trained dental professionals was perceived to be the leading factor (80%) impacting practice recruitment in 2023. Reluctance to work in the NHS contract (73%) and pay (31%) were the next biggest aspects believed to affect recruitment. Further factors with the potential to negatively affect recruitment in UK dentistry are a reduced number of available international clinicians and geographical implications.[iii] Although some steps have been taken to streamline the registration of internationally-qualified dentists[iv] and to make the NHS more attractive,[v] it’s not been enough.
But how do we come up with new ways to attract the next generation of dental professionals? How do we share collective experiences, trial innovative approaches to retention and help build a future profession that individuals want to be a part of?
First, we need to really understand exactly what people need from their chosen career and how dentistry might evolve to deliver that. We must fully appreciate the barriers faced and explore so far unutilised ways to overcome these, all the while optimising the quality of patient care and protecting business stability. This will only come from listening to each other, working with all stakeholders and ensuring that the relevant policymakers and influencers are properly informed.
Passive to proactive
Finding the answers to all these questions and more requires a proactive approach. Individuals, teams, product developers, suppliers, associations, policymakers and everyone in-between need to engage with each other, to contribute to the wider community as the future of the profession is shaped. If we can strengthen UK dentistry, to build on what makes it such a great profession and overcome the challenges together, we can pave the way for better patient care and business growth for all in the future.
Of course, this might be easier said than done. After all, how do you access all these people and what would offer a constructive platform for discussion, debate and innovation?
Thankfully, such a place already exists. BDIA Dental Showcase offers an amalgamation of discovery, learning and networking opportunities, bringing together the people and teams who are actively influencing and driving progression in dentistry. The event is redefining what dental exhibitions and conferences are all about, providing exclusive access to the Office for the Chief Dental Officer for England and health ministers of the time. It is also a place for individuals at any stage in their careers to share ideas, to have their voices heard and to participate in the discussions that will lead to future revolutions.
A busy year ahead
Clearly, we are in for a busy year ahead in dentistry. However, with collaboration, communication and innovative new ideas, we will begin to shape the next revolution in UK dentistry.
David Hussey: Event Director MA Exhibitions for BDIA Dental Showcase
BDIA Dental Showcase
13th-14th March 2026
ExCeL London
Find out more at www.dentalshowcase.com
[i] BDA. 13 million unable to access NHS dentistry. July 2024. https://www.bda.org/media-centre/13-million-unable-to-access-nhs-dentistry/ [Accessed June 2025]
[ii] The future of dental recruitment in the UJK: trends and predications for 2025. BDJ Jobs Recruitment Whitepaper 2024. https://partnerships.nature.com/bdjjobswhitepaper25/?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=CORP_BDJJB_AWA1_W3_PPRD_04U5G_whitep24 [Accessed June 2025]
[iii] Evans, D., Mills, I., Burns, L., Bryce, M., & Hanks, S. (2023). The dental workforce recruitment and retention crisis in the UK. British Dental Journal, 234(8), 573-577. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-023-5737-5
[iv] GDC. New rules and fees for international registration come into effect 9 March. March 2024. https://www.gdc-uk.org/news-blogs/news/detail/2024/03/06/we-are-ready-with-new-rules-and-fees-for-international-registration-from-9-march [Accessed June 2025]
[v] NHS England. Dental recruitment incentive scheme 2024/25. May 2024. https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/dental-recruitment-incentive-scheme-2024-25/ [Accessed June 2025]
