Jeremy Miles MS, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
Negotiations on a new dental contract – the first major change in 20 years – started in September 2023 on a tripartite basis. These concluded in October 2024 and a full public consultation about the proposed contract and the new model of delivery was carried out between March and June 2025.
The new contract would improve access NHS dental services; replace the current system of automatic six-month check-ups with one based on people’s oral health needs and risks and provide a fairer, more transparent payment system for dentists. We also consulted on changes to payments for NHS care and changes to contract terms, such as parental leave.
We received more than 6,400 responses to the consultation. The consultation responses are being published today at: Reform of NHS general dental services | GOV.WALES
I will be making a statement in Plenary this afternoon, setting out the next steps and our response to the consultation.