School campaigns for better dental care

21 November 2022

At a Plymouth primary school children, parents and teachers are uniting to bring attention to the lack of access to NHS dental services.

At a Plymouth primary school children, parents and teachers are uniting to bring attention to the lack of access to NHS dental services.

The campaign was launched at Whitleigh Community Primary School after teacher Sarah O’Neill conducted a survey of parents. According to BBC news, her results showed, “nearly 50 per cent of children were not on the books of an NHS dentist, while more than a quarter of those who were couldn't get an appointment.”

Sarah got the idea for the survey after she could not find a practice with places for her children.

Gavin Summerfield, headteacher, said they were "firm believers" that children had the right to good dental care.

In a statement to BBC News, Eddie Crouch, chairman of the British Dental Association said, “Ministers need to wake up and listen to these parents.

"NHS dentistry is on the brink, but instead of support and investment, we're bracing ourselves for savage cuts. Our youngest patients will inevitably lose out.

"Tooth decay is the number one reason for hospital admissions among young children. Without urgent action the government will leave millions with no options."