Good oral health is not a luxury. It is a basic part of overall health, wellbeing and dignity.

Our policy work focuses on practical changes that prevent disease, reduce inequalities and improve access to care.

Here's what we're pushing for...

Stop tooth decay before it starts

Tooth decay is largely preventable, yet it remains one of the most common reasons young children end up in hospital. We want to shift the system from treating disease to preventing it.

We support policies that:

• Cut sugar in everyday food and drink.

• Make fluoride available to more communities.

• Expand proven prevention programmes for children.

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Put oral health at the heart of general healthcare

The mouth is not separate from the body. Poor oral health is closely linked to wider health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung conditions and pregnancy outcomes.

We want oral health to be treated as part of mainstream healthcare, not an add-on.

We call for:

• Better integration between dental services and general health services.

• Routine oral health checks for people with conditions like diabetes.

• Clearer pathways between dentists, GPs, pharmacists and other health professionals.

• recognition of oral health in national health strategies and plans.

Helping people look after their mouths can improve their overall health and reduce pressure on the NHS.

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Make prevention a funded, national priority

Prevention saves money and avoids pain, but it is often underfunded. We want clear national action and sustainable funding for community programmes that work.

We call for:

• A national oral health plan linked to wider NHS prevention goals.

• Long-term investment in community and school-based initiatives.

• Better data to track progress and target support where it’s needed most.

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Improve access to dental care

Too many people struggle to get the dental care they need. This affects families, workplaces and health services. Everyone should be able to access affordable, preventive and timely dental care – especially children and vulnerable groups.

We advocate for:

• Fair access to basic dental services for all communities.

• A prevention-first approach that focuses on early advice and care.

• Extra support for people at higher risk, such as older adults, care home residents, people with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness.

Good access to dental care reduces pain, improves quality of life and supports better overall health.

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Reduce oral health inequalities

Oral disease hits hardest in deprived communities and among people facing multiple disadvantages. We want policy that narrows the gap.

We back action that:

• Targets resources towards the communities with the greatest need.

• Supports families with cost-of-living pressures.

• Embeds oral health in wider work on tackling health inequalities.

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Protect public health policy from vested interests

Policies that improve health can be delayed or weakened when harmful industries have too much influence. We support transparent decision-making, guided by independent evidence.

We call for:

• Stronger safeguards against conflicts of interest in health policy.

• Clear rules on engagement with unhealthy commodity industries.

• Evidence-led decisions that put public benefit first.

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Work with us

We welcome opportunities to support policymakers and partners with evidence, insight and practical solutions.

Contact: Rachael England, Head of Policy and Advocacy | [email protected]