UK Dentistry in 2026: Our Predictions for What Patients Will Notice Next

Dentistry is changing — not through one big disruptive moment, but through a series of quieter shifts that patients are starting to feel in real ways. Technology, rising costs, changing expectations, and better access to information are all reshaping how dentistry is delivered and experienced.

Below are my predictions for the changes that will matter most to patients as we move through 2025 and look towards 2026 — and what those changes really mean beneath the surface.

More dentists using AI — often invisibly

Artificial intelligence is now being used in many dental practices, though patients may not always realise it. In most cases, AI is not diagnosing conditions or replacing clinical judgement. Instead, it’s being used as a support tool.

Common applications include:

• Automating clinical notes and record keeping

• Assisting with X-ray interpretation

• Drafting referral letters, reports, and patient communications

When used properly, this can improve patient care. Less time spent on admin means more time explaining findings, answering questions, and discussing options calmly rather than rushing through appointments.

However, AI is only as good as the clinician using it. It should support decision-making, not replace it. The responsibility for diagnosis, consent, and treatment planning still lies entirely with the dentist — and always should.

For patients, the benefit isn’t “AI dentistry” — it’s clearer explanations, better documentation, and more consistent communication.

Practices becoming more digitally run — with mixed results

Alongside clinical uses, AI and automation are increasingly being used to manage the business side of dentistry. This includes:

• Chatbots handling basic enquiries

• Automated triage tools

• Diary and workflow optimisation systems

When implemented thoughtfully, these systems can reduce delays, minimise missed appointments, and make practices run more smoothly. Patients may experience faster responses and clearer scheduling.

But there’s a risk here too. Over-automation can feel impersonal, especially when patients are anxious or in pain. The best practices will use technology to remove friction — not human connection.

Patients will increasingly gravitate towards practices that balance efficiency with accessibility, making it easy to reach a real person when it matters.

Patients arriving more informed — and more confident

One of the most significant shifts isn’t happening inside practices — it’s happening before patients arrive.

More people are now using AI tools such as ChatGPT to prepare for appointments. This isn’t about self-diagnosing; it’s about understanding terminology, structuring questions, and feeling less overwhelmed.

AI is increasingly being used as a communication aid, not a replacement for professional advice. Patients are more likely to ask:

• Why a treatment is recommended

• What the alternatives are

• What happens if they delay or decline

This is a positive change. Dentistry works best when patients are informed and engaged, not passive recipients of care.

Dentists who welcome these conversations — rather than feeling challenged by them — will build stronger trust and better long-term relationships.

How AI is changing complaints and accountability

Another emerging change is how patients raise concerns.

Previously, many patients felt unsure how to complain, what their rights were, or how to articulate dissatisfaction. Now, AI tools are helping patients:

• Structure clear, calm complaints

• Understand regulatory pathways

• Communicate more confidently

This is empowering for patients — and it raises the standard for dentists.

Clear documentation, transparent consent, and honest explanations are becoming more important than ever. Dentists who communicate well and keep thorough records have little to fear from this shift. Those who rely on vague explanations or rushed conversations may struggle.

Ultimately, better communication benefits everyone.

Private dentistry will continue to get more expensive

Rising costs are one of the most visible trends for patients.

Dental practices are facing increasing expenses across almost every area:

• Staffing and wages

• Laboratory fees

• Materials and equipment

• Compliance and regulatory costs

• Rent and utilities

As a result, private fees are likely to continue rising. This doesn’t automatically mean poorer value — but it does make transparency essential.

Patients will increasingly want to understand:

• What they’re paying for

• Why prices vary so widely

• What affects long-term outcomes

Practices that explain quality, skill, time, and materials clearly will stand out. Competing on price alone is rarely sustainable — or in patients’ best interests.

More dentists focusing on niche expertise

Dentistry is also becoming more specialised, even outside formal specialist pathways.

More dentists are choosing to focus heavily on particular treatments, such as:

• Composite bonding

• Veneers

• Aligner orthodontics

• Aesthetic restorative dentistry

This reflects patient behaviour. People increasingly seek clinicians known for specific skills rather than general “do everything” practices.

For patients, this can be positive — provided they understand when niche care is appropriate and when a broader, generalist approach is better. Clear signposting and honest referrals will become increasingly important.

Dental content shifting from aesthetics to education

Social media has changed dentistry’s public face.

Where content once focused heavily on dramatic before-and-after photos, more dentists are now producing educational material — explaining procedures, risks, alternatives, and preventative care.

This reflects a maturing space. Patients are more sceptical of hype and more interested in understanding what’s being done to their teeth and why.

Dentists who invest in education rather than trends are playing a long game — building trust rather than chasing attention.

Oral health and general health — why nuance matters

There’s growing awareness of links between oral health and general health, particularly around cardiovascular disease, diabetes, pregnancy outcomes, and inflammation.

This is a positive shift. The mouth shouldn’t be treated as separate from the body. Chronic oral inflammation can contribute to systemic inflammation, and bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream when gums are unhealthy.

However, much of the evidence in this area is associational rather than causal. People with gum disease are more likely to have certain health conditions, but that doesn’t mean gum disease directly causes them in every case. Shared risk factors — smoking, diet, stress, access to healthcare — play a significant role.

The danger lies in oversimplification. Headlines that suggest fixing teeth will “prevent heart disease” or “cure diabetes” misrepresent the evidence and risk frightening patients into treatment.

Used responsibly, oral–systemic health discussions help patients understand why prevention matters. Used poorly, they undermine trust.

Dentistry’s role is to communicate this evidence clearly, honestly, and without exaggeration — supporting informed decision-making rather than fear-based compliance.

The takeaway for patients

Dentistry is becoming:

• More digital

• More transparent

• More specialised

• More patient-led

The best outcomes will come from open conversations, clear explanations, and patients feeling confident enough to ask questions and seek clarity.

That’s the direction dentistry should be heading — and it’s the standard patients should expect.