NHS family dental services in England underwent a radical change in 2006.

The current national contract was abolished and dentists entered into direct contracts with their local Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) who now manage the budgets of all NHS dental services.

To support these fundamental changes and help modernise dental services, the Department of Health recognised the need for a significant body of applied research to inform policy.

The NHS Research & Development Strategy also acknowledged that the NHS must support Research & Development that is relevant to the national priorities of the NHS, and which is also responsive to the needs of those who use the NHS, its staff and decision-makers.

Therefore, funding was provided to support dental research, which included the establishment of the Oral Health Unit.