In Abbey House Dental – The Podcast (Episode 15), Dr Amit Jilka speaks with the first external guest, Dr Nadim “Tony” Ahmed, to explain NHS Dentistry from a patient perspective—covering what NHS treatment is designed to provide, why access can be difficult, how costs work, and how the NHS system pays dentists through UDAs, along with what may change from April 2026.
Tony has been known to the host for well over a decade (including a careers day talk back in 2010—also on NHS Dentistry) and is widely recognised locally as someone who “flies the flag” for the NHS. This episode focuses on what NHS dentistry is meant to provide, why access is difficult, how the system pays dentists, and what changes may be coming from April 2026.
Dr Tony Ahmed (Nadim is his first name, but everyone calls him Tony) qualified from Birmingham and has worked pretty much ever since in NHS dentistry. While many dentists do some private work because patients sometimes want cosmetic treatments, Tony has worked almost exclusively in NHS dental practice, alongside some orthodontics, largely in Staffordshire.
His background includes:
His aim has been to improve NHS dentistry and dentistry as a profession overall, making it better for patients. His motto has always been: working together to improve patient care, whether NHS or private.
The episode discusses the growing trend of dentists going private over the last five years. Tony acknowledged that the temptation is always there, and he has had offers, but he has stayed closely linked to NHS dentistry.
Tony’s reasons for staying include:
Tony also noted that the NHS isn’t for everyone, and private and cosmetic dentistry have their place. However, he said the NHS as it used to be isn’t there anymore, and work is underway to make it more attractive again—with hoped-for changes coming to the NHS contract from April 2026.
In basic terms, Tony explained that NHS treatment is supposed to cover the whole remit of dental care, as long as it’s clinically necessary. Cosmetic treatments aren’t usually covered, but health-related treatments are.
Tony explained that NHS dentistry has never been free. There have always been charges, although it’s heavily subsidised. Charges are banded, and while costs have increased, they are still subsidised.
He highlighted a major issue affecting access and care: the dental budget has been capped since 2006.
Access is a national problem. Tony explained that uneven dentist distribution means some areas become “dental deserts.” He also linked the capped dental budget (since 2006) to ongoing pressures affecting access and care.
Tony shared local steps being taken in Staffordshire, including:
He also noted that nearly £2 million has been invested in additional NHS dental funding in Staffordshire, targeting areas of greatest need through health equity audits.
Tony explained that orthodontics has to be prioritised against other healthcare needs, which contributes to long waiting lists. He said additional funding is being introduced to reduce waiting lists, and future changes to the dental contract may allow further improvements.
Tony explained that dentists are independent contractors with the NHS and are paid based on Units of Dental Activity (UDAs), depending on the treatment type. At year-end, UDAs are totalled and payment is based on that. If targets aren’t met, money can be clawed back. He described this as a system introduced in 2006 that is now being improved.
For Staffordshire, Tony pointed to the Staffordshire Dental Advice Line as the first port of call. He described it as clinically led and able to provide advice, urgent care direction, and details of practices taking NHS patients.
Tony discussed how changes in scope of practice and NHS contracts could support wider team-based care. He said therapists and hygienists may be able to see patients directly and complete courses of treatment. He also mentioned dental nurses may be able to apply fluoride varnish and earn UDAs.
His message was that dentistry has to be a team effort.
When asked what one thing he would change, Tony said funding. He stated the dental budget has been capped since 2006, and removing that cap would make NHS dentistry more attractive and improve access and care.
Tony explained NHS treatment is supposed to cover the whole remit of dental care, as long as it is clinically necessary.
No. Tony stated NHS dentistry never has been free. There are banded charges, although it is heavily subsidised.
Tony described uneven dentist distribution (“dental deserts”) and pressures linked to the capped dental budget since 2006.
UDAs are Units of Dental Activity used to calculate payment. Dentists are independent contractors, targets are tracked, and money can be clawed back if targets aren’t met.
Tony recommended the Staffordshire Dental Advice Line as the first port of call for advice, urgent care direction, and details of practices taking NHS patients.
This episode focused on defining NHS Dentistry and explaining why patients experience difficulties with access, how the current system works, and what is being done locally and nationally to improve it. The episode ended with Abbey House Dental thanking Tony and gifting him the book “Happy Mind, Happy Life.”
Back to Blog
“Abbey house dental is amazing. The staff are really professional. Milan, my dentist is an up and coming star I'm sure. How many people can…”
“Fantastic dental surgery. I’ve seen two dentists so far, Nicky and Kiri, as well as Elaine the Hygienist, all are really good, caring, patient and…”
“Thank you to all the staff that have looked after me during my dental treatment. Julie who held my hand while I had my sedation…”
“I’m very scared of the dentist so looked specifically for a sedation expert when trying to find a new surgery. The staff at Abbey House…”
“Excellent - attentive, courteous, friendly and a great job done fitting my implant. I highly recommend them.”
Our Invisalign® aligners can fix a large range of teeth position issues, by using a set of clear aligners which are custom made to your teeth and almost invisible.
Book an In Person Consultation
