NHS Wales General Dental Services Contracts and Patient Charges Regulations 2026: Implications for dental practices under UK health and safety law

NHS Wales General Dental Services Contracts and Patient Charges Regulations 2026: what UK health and safety law means for dental practices and regulatory compliance

What has changed

The National Health Service (General Dental Services Contracts and Patient Charges) (Wales) Regulations 2026 introduce the framework for general dental services contracts in Wales under section 57 of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006. The regulations set out the structure of contracts with dental contractors and the rules governing patient charges within NHS dental services in Wales.

Why it matters

For dental practices, NHS organisations and Welsh health boards this change defines how services are funded, commissioned and delivered. It creates direct implications for governance, accounting for patient charges and the management of relationships with NHS commissioners. It reinforces accountability under UK health and safety law in the context of NHS provision, ensuring consistent service standards and patient access while maintaining compliant charge policies.

To support compliance and systematic risk management, organisations can align with a formal health and safety management framework such as ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management and perform robust health and safety risk assessments here.

What you should do next

Review existing dental service contracts and patient charging policies to ensure they reflect the new Welsh framework. Update internal policies, procedures and governance documentation to align with contract terms and charging rules. Engage with staff to communicate changes in how care is commissioned and funded and involve workers in assessing risks and proposing controls.

Update risk assessments for clinical activities and patient interactions; ensure management oversight and competent advice, including access to competent person support if required here.

Consider supplier and contractor arrangements, ensure training for front line staff on new charging policies and service delivery expectations, and review contracting processes to align with any new performance indicators or reporting requirements.

Monitor and report on compliance with the Welsh contract framework and patient charge rules, maintaining evidence trails for governance and HSE requirements.

Develop or enhance your health and safety management system in line with ISO 45001 to demonstrate ongoing compliance and continual improvement, with support from Synergos as needed support packages.