The BSSPD 2025 debate: sustainability of dentistry and prosthodontics – is this an emergency?

Background: Twenty-first century dentistry in first world countries should be based on sound evidence-based prevention and timely access to relevant dental care, but is not the picture currently portrayed of dentistry within the UK, by and for the key players involved (e.g., patients/public, government/commissioners, National Health Service, contract providers and performer workforce).

Aims: To summarise the issues that face the public, dental educators, dental workforce and commissioners of dental care in the UK (England) that were formally discussed at the British Society of Prosthodontics (BSSPD) Conference 2025.

Method: A panel was selected to include experts and spokespeople for the Department of Health/Chief Dental Officer, dental public health, the British Dental Association, postgraduate dental education and training, and workforce research, to debate five themes of sustainability in front of an audience of foundation dentists, dental core trainees and educational supervisors, speciality trainees, as well as general dental practitioners, specialists and consultants in prosthodontics and restorative dentistry.

Conclusion: The discussions of this debate on sustainability confirmed the need for novel approaches/offers with better understanding, funding and delivery of effective prevention models, urgent contract reform, with suggestions for education and health systems that can support (new and existing) dental workforce challenges.