NHS dental statistics reveal a decade of inertia

Commenting on new NHS Dental statistics for England from the Health and Social Care Information Centre Professor Nigel Hunt, Dean Faculty of Dental Surgery, said:

“This data reveals a decade of inertia in access to dentistry. In the last two years approximately 50% of adults and almost a third of children haven’t seen a dentist. Routine visits to the dentist are vital to maintaining good oral health.

“It’s appalling that tooth decay remains the most common reason why five-to nine-year olds are admitted to hospital; in some cases for multiple tooth extractions under general anaesthetic - despite tooth decay being almost entirely preventable.

“Visiting the dentist regularly is crucial in providing rapid diagnosis and treatment to prevent both children and adults from being hospitalised due to tooth decay.

“The new Government needs to urgently review why access is not improving and launch a national campaign to stress the importance of seeing a dentist.”

Notes

1. The Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of England is committed to enabling dentists and specialists to provide patients with the highest possible standards of practice and care. Registered charity number: 212808.

2. HSIC NHS Dental Statistics for England - 2014/15 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB18129

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