NHSE did tell us that “roughly 2.7 million new patients” had come through during the year so far, which they claimed was “on track with what we would have expected” based on last year.44 However, DHSC and NHSE published information in February 2025, shortly after our evidence session in the same month, that stated there was a 3% decrease in the number of new patients accessing NHS dentists since the introduction of the NPP, and that the NPP has cost £88 million.45

NHSE did tell us that “roughly 2.7 million new patients” had come through during the year so far, which they claimed was “on track with what we would have expected” based on last year.44 However, DHSC and NHSE published information in February 2025, shortly after our evidence session in the same month, that stated there was a 3% decrease in the number of new patients accessing NHS dentists since the introduction of the NPP, and that the NPP has cost £88 million.45 Type: conclusion | Number: 16 | Response status: accepted Government response: 2.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Autumn 2025 2.2 NHSE is carrying out analysis of the main initiatives which were planned to result in additional appointments being delivered: the New Patient Premium, Golden Hellos and the uplift to the minim