Policy & media Policy and advocacy Reports Oral Health: From Treatment to Prevention For 50 years, Smile Month has helped shape the way people think about oral health. What began as Smile ’77 has grown into one of the UK’s most recognised oral health campaigns, supporting millions of people to understand the importance of healthier habits, prevention and regular dental care. This landmark report reflects on five decades of progress in oral health and looks ahead to the future of dentistry, prevention and public health in the UK. About the report Oral Health: From Treatment to Prevention explores how oral health has changed since the 1970s, from a system largely focused on pain, repair and treatment, towards one increasingly shaped by prevention, public health policy and a stronger understanding of the links between oral and general health. The report highlights major improvements in oral health over the last half-century, including the impact of fluoride toothpaste, public education, clinical advances and population-level prevention. But it also shows that progress has not been equal. Oral health inequalities remain a defining challenge. Too many people still experience preventable disease, struggle to access dental care, or live in communities where the conditions for good oral health are harder to achieve. What the report covers The report examines: The evolution of oral health in the UK over the last 50 years. The role of Smile Month in public education and behaviour change. The shift from treatment-led dentistry towards prevention. The impact of fluoride, sugar reduction and public health policy. Persistent inequalities in oral health outcomes. Pressures facing NHS dentistry and the dental workforce. The growing role of digital technology, data and AI. Future scenarios for oral health systems. Recommendations for policy, practice and public engagement. Why prevention matters The report makes clear that the future of oral health depends on placing prevention at the centre of policy, funding and service design. Prevention must not be treated as an optional extra. It should shape how services are commissioned, how the dental team is used, how communities are supported, and how oral health is integrated with wider healthcare. The challenge is no longer whether prevention works. The challenge is creating systems capable of delivering it consistently, fairly and at scale. Key themes Prevention-first systems Moving away from treatment-led models and towards approaches that reward healthier outcomes, earlier intervention and reduced disease. Oral health inequalities Designing services and policies around the needs of communities experiencing the greatest burden of poor oral health. Integrated healthcare Recognising oral health as part of overall health, with stronger links between dentistry, primary care, public health and wider health pathways. Smarter use of data and technology Using digital tools, data and innovation to support earlier diagnosis, better targeting of services and more personalised prevention. The wider dental team Making better use of dental hygienists, therapists, nurses, technicians and community-based professionals to improve access and prevention. Public engagement and health literacy Helping people understand oral health, make healthier choices and access trusted support throughout life. Looking ahead The next 50 years of oral health will be defined not by what we know, but by how well we act. By prioritising prevention, reducing inequalities, strengthening partnerships and embedding oral health within wider health and social systems, the UK has an opportunity to build a more resilient, equitable and future-ready model of care. Download: Oral Health: From Treatment to Prevention Manage Cookie Preferences