Fund free oral health checks for people with diabetes as part of NHS care

Background

We want the Government to integrate free, routine oral health checks for all diagnosed diabetes patients into NHS diabetes care pathways. This could be delivered through NHS dental services or commissioned screening programmes, with appropriate referral pathways for further treatment where required.

Additional details

People living with diabetes are at significantly increased risk of changes in saliva, dental decay, periodontal disease, and eventually tooth loss. There is strong scientific evidence showing a bidirectional relationship between diabetes and oral health, where poor oral health worsens glycaemic control and increases the risk of diabetes-related complications, as reported in The Independent on 5 December 2025.

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