A dentist’s room with a patient wearing protective glasses lying back in the dentist chair. A dental worker wearing a mask, gloves and protective glasses is looking in the patient’s mouth. Another dental worker, also wearing a mask, looks on.

A dentist’s room with a patient wearing protective glasses lying back in the dentist chair. A dental worker wearing a mask, gloves and protective glasses is looking in the patient’s mouth. Another dental worker, also wearing a mask, looks on.

What the new NHS General Dental Services contract means for patients in Wales

Published 01/07/2026   |   Reading Time minutes

The previous Welsh Government introduced the National Health Service (General Dental Services Contracts and Patient Charges) (Wales) Regulations 2026 that brought into force a reformed NHS General Dental Services contract from 1 April 2026.

This briefing sets out what patients can expect as a result of the new contract.

Article by Rebekah James, Senedd Research, Welsh Parliament

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Health and Care Services

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