Policy & media Policy and advocacy Positions Oral Health Landscape 2026 This policy brief sets out why oral health must be built into England’s 10-Year Health Plan and how doing so can accelerate the Plan’s shift towards prevention, community-based care, and modern digital services. Produced by the Oral Health Foundation, it argues that oral diseases are among the most common yet most preventable conditions, driving avoidable pain, disability, and widening health inequalities. The brief makes the case that oral health is inseparable from general health – and that neglecting it undermines progress on population health, equity, and system sustainability. This policy brief: Explains the scale, impact and inequalities of oral diseases, and why oral health must be recognised as a core part of general health and prevention policy. Sets out how oral health can support the 10-Year Health Plan’s three shifts - from hospital to community, analogue to digital, and sickness to prevention. Calls for sustained investment in prevention, including a ring-fenced fund for community programmes and stronger integration of oral health within local commissioning and primary care. Recommends digital integration, workforce development and cross-sector collaboration to improve access, accountability and long-term system sustainability. The brief concludes that embedding oral health into the 10-Year Health Plan will make prevention pay, reduce inequalities, and support a more sustainable health system. Oral Health Landscape 2026 Manage Cookie Preferences