The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) has published the findings of its oral health survey of schoolchildren in Year 6. It was the first time that this group has been surveyed. 

The National Dental Epidemiology Programme (NDEP) survey took place in the 2022-23 academic year, with a total of 53,073 children linked to geographical areas and included in the final analysis.

The survey found that there was wide variation in both the prevalence and severity of experience of tooth decay by geographical area. Schoolchildren living in Yorkshire and The Humber were more likely to have experienced tooth decay (23%) compared with children living in the South West who were less likely to have experienced tooth decay (12%).

Responding to the findings, Dr Charlotte Eckhardt, Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said:

“It is really upsetting to know that in some areas up to 23% of children in Year 6 have experienced tooth decay. Tooth decay is largely preventable and therefore avoidable through reduced sugar consumption, regular tooth brushing and visits to the dentist.

“Part of the problem will be access to dentists. Although NHS dental care is free for all under-18s, we know that in some areas parents and carers are struggling to get appointments for their children. The survey also highlights health inequalities, with children living in the most deprived areas of the country more than twice as likely to have experienced tooth decay (23%), as those living in the least deprived areas (10%).

“The Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of England strongly supports the development of new targeted fluoridation schemes. It is particularly key for reducing health inequalities.”

More:

• The NDEP oral health survey of children in Year 6, 2023, can be accessed here. 
• Statistics on the impact of water fluoridation schemes on children’s oral health can be found here.

Image courtesy of Piqsels