We welcome new health hubs but they must not become a “sticking plaster”

The Oral Health Foundation has welcomed government plans to roll out new neighbourhood health centres across England – but says they must not be seen as a quick fix for the wider crisis in NHS dentistry. 

The charity says the move could help bring care closer to communities and improve access for those most in need. However, it warns that without proper investment and planning, the new hubs risk falling short of their promise. 

The government has announced the first 27 neighbourhood health centres, with hundreds more planned over the next decade. The aim is to bring services like GP care, pharmacy, urgent treatment –and in some cases dental care – together under one roof. 

The government hopes the centres will make it easier for patients to access care closer to home, while also easing pressure on hospitals. 

Karen Coates, Senior Oral Health Educator at the Oral Health Foundation, believes the idea has clear potential - but only if it is delivered properly. 

“Bringing services together in the heart of communities is a positive step, especially for people who often struggle to access care. These hubs could make a real difference if they are designed with patients in mind. 

“But we have to be honest - this is not a silver bullet for the problems facing NHS dentistry. Without long-term investment and a clear plan, there is a real risk these hubs become a sticking plaster rather than a solution.” 

Karen Coates, Senior Oral Health Educator

The charity says neighbourhood hubs could play an important role in tackling oral health inequalities, particularly for children, older adults and vulnerable groups who are often left behind by traditional dental services. 

By linking dental care with wider health and social support, the centres could help people get earlier advice, prevent problems before they start, and reduce the need for more complex treatment later on. 

But the Oral Health Foundation says this will only happen if oral health is built into the model from the outset. 

“Oral health cannot be an afterthought,” adds Mrs Coates. “If these hubs are about improving overall health, then dental care has to be part of that conversation from day one. 

“We need to see dental teams involved, prevention given real priority, and clear pathways so patients know where to go. Otherwise, we risk adding more confusion to an already complicated system.” 

The Oral Health Foundation is also urging caution around how the new hubs are staffed and funded, warning they must not draw resources away from existing dental services. 

Mrs Coates says: “We cannot fix an access crisis by stretching the same workforce even further. These centres need proper investment and must work alongside local dental practices – not compete with them. 

“If we get this right, neighbourhood health centres could help reshape how care is delivered in this country. But if we get it wrong, they risk becoming another layer in an already fragmented system.” 

The government says the first wave of centres will open by 2027, with plans to expand the programme to 250 sites across England by 2036.