United Kingdom
NHS Dentistry Contract Reforms Take a Step Forward
On 5 August, the government announced plans to tackle the dental crisis, including 700,000 extra appointments, improved access for advanced periodontal and caries cases, and stronger incentives to encourage treatment of complex procedures.
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NHS Dentistry Contract Consultation Remains Open
A government consultation is ongoing to reshape quality and payment models in NHS dental care. Dental professionals are invited to submit feedback and contribute to the reforms.
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Mental Health of UK Dental Teams Causes Concern
A recent study found that over 25% of dental professionals report depression and emotional exhaustion, highlighting significant workforce stress and burnout.
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Updated Guidance for Community Dental Service Waiting Lists
NHS England has published new guidance on waiting list data collection for Community Dental Services, aiming to improve operational clarity and data accuracy from August 2025.
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Structural Reforms Urged to Address UK Dental Public Health Crisis
Experts warn the dental system is under strain, with one in four UK adults having unmet NHS dental needs. The government’s proposed reforms are seen as urgent measures to prevent further decline.
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Australia
ADA Launches ICC Tools to Boost In-Practice Efficiency
On 11 August, the Australian Dental Association introduced interprofessional care coordination (ICC) tools designed to streamline workflow and improve patient management in dental practices.
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Dental Health Week Gains Strong Media Coverage
The ADA’s 4–10 August campaign successfully promoted paediatric oral health nationwide, drawing widespread media attention and public engagement.
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Volunteers Sought for Baby & Child Expo
The ADA is inviting volunteers to support early oral health education at the upcoming Pregnancy, Baby & Child Expo in October.
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New Zealand
NZDA to Launch Roadmap at Parliament
The New Zealand Dental Association will officially unveil its “Roadmap Toward Better Oral Health 2025–2030” at Parliament on 21 August, outlining strategic goals for policy and workforce development.
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NZDA National Advocacy Roadshow Begins
A new campaign is touring urban and rural areas across New Zealand, raising awareness and promoting reforms in dental care delivery.
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International Spotlight
Keratin from Hair and Wool Shows Promise in Tooth Enamel Repair
Researchers at King’s College London discovered that keratin, a protein in hair and wool, can combine with saliva minerals to form enamel-like coatings up to five to six times harder than current resins. This breakthrough could lead to new toothpaste or clinical gel treatments for enamel repair.
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