A check for oral cancer will be included in the MoT which will cost around £450million, the industry says.Labour will scrap fees for procedures such as X-rays, teeth polishing and examinations that currently cost £22.70.Nearly 400,000 patients visit their GPs with toothache each year, costing £20 million. A further £18 million is spent on 135,000 patients attending hospital due to dental issues.
Free dental check-ups would also reduce the number of people partaking in so-called “DIY dentistry”, the shadow health secretary said. Jonathan Ashworth said: “It’s shocking that so called ‘DIY dentistry’ is becoming so common with people resorting to doing their own fillings and seriously risking their teeth deteriorating further."
“With 135,000 patients presenting at A&E with dental problems every year, it’s time we put prevention at the heart of our approach to dental health." “People should not be risking their teeth because they can’t afford the care. With Labour, dental check-up fees will be scrapped as we help people live healthier lives.”