Healthcare providers and MPs are calling for co-ordinated action to improve dental health, with better access to both NHS care alongside private employee benefits.
These calls came at a Parliamentary event hosted by Denplan, part of cash plan provider SimplyHealth. This was attended by MPs from across the political spectrum, policymakers, professional bodies and dental professionals.
Those at the event said that oral health should be placed on an equal footing with physical and mental health, with a renewed focus on prevention alongside treatment, to reduce more serious cases ending up with the NHS and helping to improve the overall health and wellbeing of the UK’s workforce.
Delegates agreed that prevention must be the cornerstone of future dental policy, supported by cross-sector collaboration and a resilient, well-supported workforce.
Those at the event pointed out that poor oral health is linked to a number of serious systemic conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Poor prevention measures are also resulting in costs for the NHS that you’d be avoided. The NHS currently spends £45.8m on hospital-based decay-related tooth extractions for children – a procedure that is almost entirely preventable.
Access to NHS dentistry also remains a critical barrier, with up to 96 per cent of practices are not accepting new adult patients, leaving families waiting until problems escalate, increasing costs for both patients and the health system.
Attendees emphasised that a strong and sustainable dental workforce is the foundation of access, prevention, and quality care.
Delegates at the event called for fairer access to dental care fairer across the country, utilising dental expertise to make sure funding meets local needs and to tackle regional inequalities.
Simon Opher MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Health, said: “The APPG on Health has heard first hand the need to look at how the dental landscape can be strengthened for the future. Too many people across the country are unable to access care, and an overstretched dental workforce lacks the comprehensive support it needs.
“Without the urgent action, we cannot address immediate challenges or ensure we are set up for longer term success. As policymakers, it is more important than ever that we listen to all voices across the sector to understand how we can work together to deliver a sustainable future for dentistry.”
Helen Morgan MP, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Health and Social Care, said: “More must be done not just to address access barriers, but to ensure that we work to improve oral health more broadly across the UK.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Denplan and others across the sector to take forward the learnings from today – with the aim of moving towards a society where dental care works for all.”
Dr. Matthew Nolan, head dental officer at Denplan, said: “Preventable dental disease is costing the NHS millions each year and causing avoidable pain and disruption for children and families.
“We desperately need change to make prevention the priority, enabling closer collaboration across sectors to ensure oral health is fully recognised as a crucial part of overall health and wellbeing.”
