Fund free dental care for head & neck cancer patients

We want the Government to fund free dental care for head and neck cancer patients both during and after treatment to address the significant oral health challenges that survivors may face, and to improve their overall quality of life.

Head and neck cancer treatments, such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, can result in long-term oral health issues, including dry mouth, tooth decay and infections. These conditions can severely affect survivors' quality of life, their self-esteem and ability to eat, speak. Providing free dental care could ensure patients have access to essential treatments, improve their health outcomes, and reduce the financial burden, similar to other cancer types already covered by healthcare services.

The Government recognises that patients with cancer, especially those with diagnoses of head or neck cancer, may be more vulnerable to oral health problems during and following their treatment. We are working across the system to ensure that patients who have a diagnosis of cancer receive timely, safe, and effective dental care.

Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for commissioning primary care services, including NHS dentistry, to meet the needs of local populations and to determine the priorities for investment. NHS England has published guidance for ICBs to help ensure patients with a diagnosis of cancer can access oral healthcare in a timely manner. This guidance is available at the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/oral-healthcare-provision-for-cancer-pathways/. The guidance outlines an “oral health in cancer pathway” for patients with a diagnosis of head and neck cancer, patients awaiting chemotherapy or immunotherapy for any cancer type, and patients that will undergo bone marrow transplantation. This pathway could include oral health assessments, prevention, rehabilitation, and reconstruction in primary (NHS or independent), community, secondary, or tertiary care settings. This would be provided as part of a multi-disciplinary team care plan. Ongoing oral health management for the duration of the cancer therapy would take place.

Whilst there are currently no plans to extend free dental care to those with a diagnosis of head or neck cancer, for those who are struggling with NHS dental charges, there is a range of help available. This includes full exemptions from dental charges and, for those not eligible for exemption, support through the NHS Low Income Scheme.