Coming clean about dental rationing (HSJ, 1 October 2026)

Summary

In this HSJ article, Jaymit Patel argues that the crisis in NHS dentistry is not simply a funding problem but a consequence of a capped system that already rations care through geography and persistence rather than need. He suggests moving away from repeated tweaks to the dental contract and instead adopting a phased package of reforms, including risk-based recall intervals, greater use of pharmacies, therapists and hygienists, automatic charge exemptions, water fluoridation and, potentially, a regulated dental insurance model for higher earners.