New NHS England framework for maintaining the oral health of our ageing population

NHS England has published the Office of the Chief Dental Officer’s Framework for maintaining the oral health of our ageing population.

The framework supports a proactive and sustained approach to oral healthcare across the later stages of life, with a strong focus on prevention, early intervention and maintaining oral function, regardless of care setting.

It sets out a systems-wide approach for dental commissioners, local authorities, integrated care systems and providers, highlighting the importance of partnership working across dental, health and social care services.

Key areas covered include local oral health needs assessment, prevention-focused service planning, workforce training, shared care models, domiciliary care considerations, and quality and outcome measures for older adults.

The framework is intended to support local planning, pathway development, service specifications, workforce development and implementation activity for older people’s oral health services.

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