Since 2008, the Welsh Government has funded ‘Designed to Smile’, the Wales National Oral Health Improvement Programme. The supervised brushing and fluoride varnish programmes have already helped young children establish good habits, and according to a Cardiff University study have contributed to dental decay rates among children falling by a quarter between 2007/08 and 2014/15.
The Child Dental Health Survey, published in 2015, showed that 63 per cent of Welsh 15 year olds have decay, compared with 44 per cent across the border. The British Dental Association, which has welcomed leadership from the Welsh government on the issue, is now seeking reassurances over the future of the programme. The BDA believes the core programme will need to run for at least 10 to 12 years to really see the benefits come through for the next generation of teenagers – and has previously called for expansion of the programme to children under three.
Katrina Clarke, chair of the BDA’s Welsh General Dental Practice Committee, said: “Dentists have welcomed leadership from the Welsh government on tackling our nation’s deep oral health inequalities in recent years. So we are both saddened and disappointed to see this pioneering oral health scheme has not made the cut for the new programme for government.
“When it comes to combating tooth decay, Wales is setting an example that puts ministers in England to shame. The ‘Designed to Smile’ programme works; our children are already reaping the benefits and we believe it offers firm foundations this government should build on. We therefore cannot understand why even a passing reference failed to make it into this document.
“We are seeking reassurances that the Welsh Government has no plans to part ways with an ambitious and successful initiative that all Wales can be proud of. Ministers need to show commitment to a tried and tested formula, so the next generation of teenagers can really reap the benefits.”