Of grave concern
The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry has urged MPs on the House of Commons Health Select Committee to take measures to reduce the ‘alarming proportion’ of children in England suffering from disproportionately high levels of tooth decay.
In the written submission to the committee, which met on February 24, BSPD says members unanimously believe that the oral health of some children in England is a matter of grave concern.
The evidence-based submission has been compiled by Helen Rodd, professor and honorary consultant in Paediatric Dentistry who says in her summary: “It is a sad reflection on society that the greatest levels of disease are seen in those from the most disadvantaged and vulnerable families.”
She refers to the survey of the oral health of three year olds in England, published by Public Health England (PHE) last year, which provided important insights into the decay experience of pre-school children:
Her report draws attention to shortages in the specialist workforce. Not only is there a wholly inadequate paediatric dentistry workforce to meet the current needs of the child population in England, there has been a recent loss of existing posts at a time when dentists need to be able to refer children and young people to a specialist.
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