NHS Complex Care Pathways
Introduced on June 23, 2026, the NHS England Complex Care Pathways in NHS dentistry provide structured 6- or 12-month treatment packages for patients aged 16+ with severe tooth decay or unstable gum disease. They replace traditional phased treatment blocks with holistic, prevention-focused, multi-month care managed by dental teams.
The BDA supports the principle of Complex Care Pathways for high-needs patients, however, raises concerns that the new pathway could create disproportionate administrative, clinical and dento-legal burdens, with remuneration potentially not reflecting the time and complexity involved.
Here are some useful resources.
Anticoagulant & Antiplatelet Management
Antimicrobial prescribing
CDS
*** CFDP under 12yr-old for surgical cases
It may be necessary to write a referral letter direct to the Oral Surgery Department (NHS.net) as under 12s not yet accepted via FDS
Care Quality Commission
- Mythbuster tips for dentists
- CQC Provider Handbook 2015
- List of CQC notable practices. Help dentists learn & improve
Dental Trauma
Endodontology
- British Endodontic Society
- American Association of Endodontists
- Restoration of Endodontically Treated Teeth
Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Oral Cancer
2 Week Wait Referral to Hospital
NHS Business Service Authority
Oral Surgery
- NICE Guidelines on Extraction of Third Molars
- Royal College of Surgeons
- Surgical Techniques for Lower Third Molar Extraction
Orthodontics
- British Orthodontic Society
- Management of Unerupted Maxillary Incisors
- Management of the Palatally Ectopic Maxillary Canine
- Extraction of First Permanent Molars in Children
Paediatric Dentistry
Periodontology
Radiology
- FGDP Selection Criteria for Dental Radiography
- IR(ME)R 2017
- IRR 2017
- CBCT in Dental & Maxillofacial Radiology (SEDENTEXCT)
Restorative Dentistry
Safeguarding
Miscellaneous