Dental contract reform 2026: practices face impossible maths on urgent care
With dental contract reform 2026 arriving on the horizon, one burning question for NHS practice owners is how do you quota-manage the unplannable? From April, NHS dental contractors must deliver 8.2% of their contract value as urgent or unscheduled care. Dr Mariam Belattar, an experienced NHS dentist, says the reform feels less like a solution…
Class II restoration with thermo-viscous composite
In an earlier article on this topic,1 I demonstrated the workability of thermo-viscous composites. After warming, the composite can be easily handled for sufficiently long by the practitioner. It is even possible to apply an occlusal stamp to reproduce the preoperative anatomy if it is not compromised. In this article, I will highlight another aspect […]
How has dentistry changed in 25 years?
Josie Hutchings shares everything she has learned in 25 years with practice plan – what has changed and what is her advice for navigating modern dentistry? In Practice Plan’s latest podcast, Donna Hall, regional support manager, sits down with her colleague and friend, regional support manager Josie Hutchings, who this year celebrates an amazing 25…
The preventable paediatric crisis dentistry can no longer ignore
Hello Pearl responds to newly-released figures which show a crisis in paediatric dentistry – how can technology help the dental profession improve this picture? Statistics released last month by the Royal College of Surgeons of England, tell a grave and urgent story that should deeply affect every dental professional (RSEng, 2026). In 2025 there were…
How to navigate the cost-of-living pressures of global conflict
In a time of political uncertainty and global conflict, finances can become volatile on both an international and personal level – Iain Stevenson explains how dental professionals can manage the resulting cost-of-living pressures. Cost-of-living challenges continue to dominate headlines. While attention is often placed on households, dentists are experiencing pressures both personally and professionally. Recent…
Glass hybrids: what are they and why do I need one?
Glass hybrids are the hassle-free restorative alternative when composites are not an option – find out more now. You may have seen glass hybrids mentioned over the last few years and wondered how they can fit into your clinical practice. This blog answers all the questions you might have about this cost-effective, long-term restorative alternative,…
Practices merge and relocate to new mydentist Cardiff site in £2.3 million investment
The UK’s largest dental care provider mydentist has recently undertaken a relocation, merge and expansion of three of its Cardiff practices, following a substantial investment of £2.3 million. The new mydentist Cardiff practice, which is now located at City Link Retail Park, was officially opened by Practice Manager, Tayer Witchell, and her team on 24 March…
Pay uplift for NHS dentists will have ‘real consequences’, experts warn
The government has confirmed a pay uplift for NHS dentists – though key figures in dentistry say the changes ‘radically underestimate’ the cost of delivering care. On 25 March, the government announced that it would accept the recommendation of the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body (DDRB) for a pay uplift for NHS dentists. From 1…
Employment law changes: everything dental professionals need to know
The government has announced major changes to employment law starting 6 April 2026 – Lara Brewood-Green explains the impact of these on dental practices and professionals. There are several significant employment law changes coming into force between April 2026 and 2027 that will affect dental practices across the UK. But which are the most relevant changes…
A comprehensive orthodontic assessment – the SAFE way
The Aligner Dental Academy introduces the SAFE assessment system for conducting a comprehensive orthodontic assessment. Modern dentistry is no longer about simply correcting crooked teeth or closing spaces. It demands a broader and more holistic perspective – one that considers all aspects of the face: facial aesthetics, occlusal function, dental structures and the biology of…