The Oral Health Foundation has welcomed the Government's acknowledgement of concerns about access to dental care for people born with a cleft but says further work is needed to understand why many patients continue to experience difficulties accessing routine NHS dental services.

The response follows a petition led by CLAPA (Cleft Lip and Palate Action), which called for improved access to NHS dentistry for people born with a cleft.

Rachael England, Head of Policy and Advocacy at the Oral Health Foundation, said: "We welcome the Government's acknowledgement of the concerns raised by CLAPA and its commitment to improving access to NHS dentistry. However, the response largely describes how dental services for people born with a cleft are intended to operate, rather than addressing the experiences reported by many patients and families.

"The important question is not whether pathways exist on paper, but whether they are working in practice. The evidence gathered by CLAPA suggests that many people born with a cleft continue to face barriers when accessing routine dental care, despite having ongoing oral health needs."

"As broader reforms to NHS dentistry move forward, it is important that the needs of patients requiring lifelong dental support are not overlooked. We would welcome further work to understand the challenges facing the cleft community and identify how access to care can be improved."

Dr Rachael England, Head of Policy and Advocacy, Oral Health Foundation

While NHS England provides guidance for specialist restorative care for people born with a cleft, concerns remain about the transition from specialist services into primary dental care.

Evidence gathered by CLAPA suggests that some oral health professionals may feel underprepared to treat patients with a cleft lip and/or palate, including providing preventive, routine and general dental care.

Addressing this gap in confidence, knowledge and support will be important to ensuring patients can access the care they need throughout their lives.

The Oral Health Foundation and CLAPA are committed to working together to help address these challenges through improved awareness, education and advocacy.

---

Read more

• Oral Health Foundation backs calls for action on dental care access for people born with a cleft

• CLAPA: Government responds to CLAPA’s cleft dental care petition