Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how his department will assist post-radiotherapy head and neck cancer patients who currently have to pay for private dentistry due to a lack of NHS dentistry places, despite regular check-ups being an essential part of their post-radiotherapy care.

To assist post-radiotherapy head and neck cancer patients, dentists will prioritise patients at a higher risk of oral cancer for more frequent recall and review in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance.

Members of the public who are worried about their oral health in relation to cancer, including post-radiotherapy head and neck cancer patients, should seek advice from their dentist or general practitioner (GP). Patients with symptoms of concern should be assessed and offered an urgent dental appointment based upon clinical need, in line with advice from NHS England.

Some people are eligible for exemptions from NHS dental patient charges, or help with part of the cost of treatment, including those who are receiving certain benefits. Further information is available at the following link:

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/who-can-get-free-nhs-dental-treatment/