Improving oral health in the UK

We believe that prevention is better than cure, and press for changes in policy and practice to improve outcomes and reduce inequalities.

Tooth decay – an almost entirely preventable condition – remains the leading cause of hospital admissions among young children in the UK. Prevention should be at the heart of any effective healthcare strategy. Yet successive governments have failed to provide dentists with the plans or priority to deliver on it.

Antimicrobial resistance

Dentists are stepping up to tackle the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Dental amalgam

We believe the dental amalgam ban will negatively impact on struggling dental services.

Dental tourism

Patients need to understand the risks posed by dental tourism.

Oral cancer

Dentists are on the frontline of the battle against oral cancer, and rates are on the rise.

Sugar

We are leading calls for radical action to lower the nation's sugar intake.

Sustainability in dentistry

We aim to make dentistry more sustainable by reducing its environmental impact, raising awareness, and supporting measures that help practices adopt greener approaches.

Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening by a dentist (or under the prescription of a dentist) is the only safe and effective way to ensure your oral health is protected.

Vulnerable patients

We stand up for patients who need us the most.

Related news

“Dentistry isn’t an optional extra”: MPs screened for oral cancers

Early diagnosis and improved access crucial to combat cancers that claim more lives than car accidents.

England: A new minister must face down old problems

James Frith needs to show real urgency and ambition.

700 days on: What has happened to the Governments promise to ban energy drink sales to children

Children are still able to buy sugary, acidic, high caffeine drinks – and do so at an alarming rate.

Baby food sales crash, but Government must step up

Exposé into pouches more sugary than Coke hits the industry where it hurts.

England: Horrific extractions stats must spur real effort from government

Decay extractions up 11% on last year, as access crisis bites.

Oral cancer is the missing piece in the Government’s plan

Dentists need support in the battle with the eighth most common cancer.

NHS England merger: Public health experts offered euphemisms not clarity over jobs

We can only lament the pace at which the merger of DHSC and NHSE is being taken forward. These huge delays leave Dental Public Health (DPH) staff stuck in limbo, undervalued and unclear on whether they have a future.

Sugar Awareness Week 2025: Time to cut through the sweet talk

Learn about key findings and proposals on sugar in an informative webinar, and help raise public awareness.

Minamata Convention decision on phasing out amalgam

Addressing the feasibility of proposed timescales with crucial supply issues, plus debate in parliament.

Informative new videos for Mouth Cancer Action Month

Access short videos on detecting and preventing mouth cancer, produced with input from Professor Gerry McKenna, Vice Chair of the Northern Ireland Council.

Appalled but not surprised: the reality of illegal tooth whitening

BBC investigation lifts lid on fraudsters endangering patients

England: Dentists back sales ban on energy drinks for kids

We have applauded the proposed ban on sales of high caffeine energy drinks to under-16s.

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