Our latest insight report, Smiles Fading: The Challenge of Dental Care in Care Homes, draws on responses from 13 local care homes supporting 328 residents, highlighting the challenges and the opportunities to enhance dental care for care home residents.
Key findings from the report show that:
- Some homes report that up to 97% of their residents are without a regular dentist.
- Emergency private dental care is often the only option, placing financial stress on families.
- Residents with dementia or learning disabilities face the greatest barriers to receiving appropriate care.
- Care home staff are stepping up but lack access to specialist support and regular visiting dental services.
While the report acknowledges inconsistencies in access to NHS dental services, particularly for residents with dementia or mobility difficulties, it also showcases positive examples of care homes taking proactive steps to support residents’ oral health.
Several homes have invested in staff training, developed internal monitoring systems and successfully built relationships with specialised dental providers. The report calls for building on these efforts through greater collaboration between health professionals and care home staff to ensure every resident can access the care they need.
Harsha Kotecha, Chair of Healthwatch Leicester and Healthwatch Leicestershire, said:
“Good oral health is essential for comfort, dignity and quality of life, especially in later years. This report highlights the practical steps already being taken by dedicated care home staff and shows where we can go further. With the right support, there is a real opportunity to create a consistent, person-centred dental service for care home residents across our area.”
Read the report: https://healthwatchll.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HWLL-Insight-report-Smiles-Fading-dental-in-care-homes-May-2025.pdf