The Oral Health Foundation has welcomed plans to expand opportunities for overseas-trained dentists to practise in the UK, saying the move could help ease pressure on patients struggling to access dental care.

The Government has announced proposals to significantly increase the number of places available for the Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS) exam – a key route for dentists trained overseas to register and work in the UK. Ministers say the changes could allow around 2,400 additional overseas-trained dentists to join the UK workforce each year from 2028/29.

The reforms aim to address growing access problems in NHS dentistry. Millions of people across the UK report difficulty securing routine appointments, while many dental practices are no longer accepting new NHS patients.

The LDS exam, overseen by the Royal College of Surgeons of England, allows dentists who trained outside the UK to demonstrate they meet the required clinical standards to practise safely.

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Helping patients access care

Responding to the proposals, the Oral Health Foundation said increasing the number of qualified professionals able to work in the UK could help alleviate some of the immediate pressures facing patients.

"Anything that helps more people access dental care is welcome, and overseas-trained dentists already play an important role in supporting dental services across the UK. Expanding opportunities for qualified professionals to practise here could help ease some of the immediate pressures facing patients who are struggling to secure appointments.

"However, increasing workforce numbers alone will not solve the challenges in NHS dentistry. Access problems reflect wider issues including funding, the structure of dental contracts and the need to support prevention so fewer people reach crisis point with their oral health.

"Improving access must go hand in hand with long-term solutions that strengthen the dental system and help people maintain good oral health throughout their lives."

Dr Rachael England, Head of Policy and Advocacy

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A wider challenge for dental services

The charity emphasised that improving access to dental care requires a long-term, sustainable approach that supports both the dental workforce and preventative health.

Alongside workforce measures, the Oral Health Foundation says greater focus must also be placed on prevention and public awareness to reduce the number of people developing avoidable oral health problems.

Supporting people to maintain good oral health throughout their lives through good daily habits, healthier diets and regular dental visits remains key to reducing pressure on dental services and improving the nation’s health overall.