Free dental care will now be available to young people leaving care until the age of 25, following a recent policy extension. The initiative aims to help care leavers during early adulthood, a period when many lose access to structured support and often face challenges in obtaining basic health services such as dental care.
Care leavers frequently encounter obstacles including cost, uncertainty about their entitlement, and difficulty registering with a dentist. These barriers can result in untreated dental issues that may cause pain, infection, or long-term damage.
The Oral Health Foundation has expressed its approval of the policy change. Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, stated: “This is about dignity as much as dentistry. Extending free dental care to 25 is a hugely positive step for young people leaving care, many of whom have grown up facing real barriers to accessing dental services at a critical time in their lives.
"It removes a barrier that never should have existed and recognises the heightened risk of poor oral health among care leavers. The priority now is making sure this commitment translates into real access on the ground, so every eligible young person can actually secure the care they need as they build independent lives.”
Statistics show that young people who have been in care are more likely than their peers to experience poor health outcomes. Many report losing healthcare support after turning 18 and not knowing how to register with a dentist or afford treatment.
Providing free dental care is intended to remove one significant obstacle while these individuals manage other transitions such as education, employment, housing, and independence. Early intervention through accessible dental services could prevent minor problems from developing into emergencies.
Despite broad support for the announcement, concerns remain about access to NHS dental services across different regions. The Oral Health Foundation emphasized that simply offering free care will not be enough if eligible individuals cannot find or attend appointments.
Dr Carter added that clear information for young people, consistent implementation at local levels, and sufficient capacity within dental practices are essential for ensuring this policy achieves its goals.
The Oral Health Foundation plans to monitor how effectively this new measure is implemented and will continue advocating for actions that reduce inequalities in oral health among young people leaving care.
