WES STREETING secretary of state health and social care we ask you to put in place a policy for *preventative* yearly dental check ups for all children with special needs /disability 

Funding for each child to be **registered** with a dentist for continued  *yearly* preventative check ups is essential. 

Neglecting Preventative Dental Care for Special Needs Children: Impact on Families and the Special Needs Child

In recent years, a concerning trend has emerged regarding the provision of preventative dental care for special needs children, highlighting the critical need for inclusive healthcare policies. The failure to prioritize regular dental check-ups for these vulnerable individuals not only poses significant health risks but also places undue suffering on families 

Special needs children, including those with developmental disabilities, face unique challenges when it comes to accessing healthcare services, including dental care. Neglecting preventative measures can lead to distressing and debilitating consequences, exacerbating existing health conditions and impacting overall well-being. Dental issues left untreated can cause pain, discomfort, difficulty eating, and social challenges for these children, often leading to behavioral issues, self-harm, and violent outbursts.

Families dealing with ongoing dental problems in their offspring with special needs bear a heavy emotional toll, the inability to access timely preventive dental care not only causes anguish and distress but also places additional strain on already stretched resources when it reaches the point that they need hospital care in emergency due to lack of preventative measures /check ups. Parents and caregivers often find themselves navigating a complex healthcare system ill-equipped to meet the needs of their children, resulting in frustration and despair.

Furthermore, the societal implications of neglecting preventative dental care for special needs children are profound. Untreated dental problems can lead to more serious health complications, requiring costly hospitalization and long-term care. 

To address this pressing issue, we urge governments to prioritize inclusive healthcare policies that guarantee equitable access to preventive dental services for all special needs children. We call upon policymakers to allocate resources towards providing each special needs child with **yearly preventative dental check-ups**. Such proactive measures will not only promote oral health but also save a significant amount of money on hospitalization costs and mitigate the risks and distress involved in hospitalization.

Moreover, recognizing the impact of ongoing dental problems on families and society underscores the urgency of proactive intervention. Each special needs child/adult should be afforded preventative check-ups tailored to their specific needs, promoting oral health and overall well-being. By investing in preventive care for vulnerable populations, governments can alleviate the suffering of families, improve quality of life, and foster a more inclusive and compassionate society.

In conclusion, neglecting preventative dental care for special needs children not only jeopardizes their health but also exacts a heavy toll on their family causes emense distress to the child and causes later hospitalisation which could have been prevented . It is imperative that we prioritize the oral health needs of these individuals, ensuring equitable access to preventive services and support for families navigating the complexities of caring for a child with special needs. Only through concerted efforts and inclusive policies can we address this pressing healthcare disparity and uphold the dignity and well-being of all members of our community.

By Tina Taylor  
Inclusive St Austell  
Preventing marginalisation and promoting inclusion.