The Oral Health Foundation has launched an oral health manifesto aimed at addressing several key issues within the UK's dental care system. The initiative includes ten proposals designed to enhance preventive care, promote public health, and make dental services more accessible and affordable.
The manifesto calls for a new NHS dental contract that prioritizes preventive care over restorative treatments. It also advocates for universal water fluoridation across the UK to prevent tooth decay and reduce inequalities in oral health.
Another significant proposal is the reintroduction and expansion of oral health promotion teams. These teams would focus on improving public oral health through education and early detection of dental issues. Additionally, the manifesto emphasizes the importance of investing in toothbrushing programs in early years settings and schools to instill good oral hygiene habits from a young age.
To combat dietary contributors to poor oral health, the foundation suggests introducing a broader sugar tax that covers more sugary drinks and implementing stricter regulations on junk food advertisements targeting children, particularly on television and online platforms.
The manifesto also proposes progressive smoking age legislation. "The next government should pass laws to stop anyone born after 2009 from buying tobacco," it states, adding that there should be a gradual increase in the smoking age from 18.
Further recommendations include securing government funds specifically for educational campaigns about oral health to promote preventive care practices among the public. Integrating oral health into the general healthcare system is another priority highlighted in the document, with an aim to enhance overall public wellbeing and reduce healthcare costs.
Addressing workforce shortages is another critical aspect of the manifesto. It suggests recognizing overseas qualifications, expanding dental schools, and improving career development opportunities within dentistry to ensure a sufficient number of dental professionals.
Lastly, making dentistry more affordable is underscored as essential, especially during the current cost-of-living crisis. The manifesto calls for reassessing NHS dentistry costs to ensure services are financially accessible for all citizens.
