The initiative is part of the NHS and government's dental recovery plan, published in February 2024 with the goal of ensuring easier and quicker access to NHS dental care across the country that could see up to 1.5 million additional NHS dental treatments delivered for patients in the first 12 months.

The plan also set out new measures to encourage dental practices to treat patients who had not been seen by a dentist in two years, with contractors able to receive an additional payment of £15-50 (depending on the treatment needed).

As part of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, the NHS is also boosting the number of dental training places by 40% by 2031/32.

Health and social care secretary Victoria Atkins said: ‘Our dental plan is already having an impact and it's fantastic to see hundreds more practices signing up to treat new patients since we launched our new patient premium.

‘And today we can confirm that our targeted recruitment scheme, which offers a ‘golden hello' of £20,000 to dentists who agree to work in areas in need, is launching, with guidance going out to dental practices and dentists who may wish to apply for the scheme.

‘I am committed to making access to dentistry faster, simpler and fairer for all those who need it – and these golden hellos will help ensure that patients can access good oral health, wherever they live.'