BSPD welcomes the latest BRUSH research paper, published today in the British Dental Journal (BDJ) since the survey’s findings show increases in the provision of supervised toothbrushing programmes (STPs) since 2022. However, a number of barriers were identified, including funding and capacity. So, whilst this survey shows progress, there is still much to be done to ensure children from the most deprived areas are receiving the support they need to turn paediatric oral health around in England.

There is still significant room for improvement since the national provision of STPs remains patchy.  BSPD noted the barriers the research paper cited include lack of funding and capacity. Currently much of the implementation of STPs relies on collaboration across organisations and local communities – and BSPD believes that now is the time to put pressure on the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to deliver on the Government’s pledge to fund targeted supervised toothbrushing at a national level.

BSPD also believes it is encouraging to see the targeted approach to STPs, which aims to reach the right children: those who are most likely to suffer dental decay. BSPD has been campaigning for years for a targeted approach to STPs, since it is the method to ensure those most in need receive the preventative support they require, as well as it being most effective for the public purse.

Schools have started to prepare for the national roll-out that was part of the Labour Government’s manifesto pledge. BSPD keenly awaits the implementation of this policy, and the Society, remains ready to support policy makers.

Dr Shannu Bhatia, BSPD President said: “Whilst BSPD welcomes the progress outlined in the BRUSH report, we are looking to the Government to implement the national programme of supervised toothbrushing, targeting the most deprived areas that was promised.  The proof that early years prevention works as an intervention is clear, and BSPD has been calling for targeted supervised toothbrushing nationally for over a decade. We now have to move to the implementation stage as quickly as possible. We are ready to play our part.”