More than four in ten children have not seen an NHS dentist in the last year – FDS response

Figures published by NHS Digital today show that more than four in ten (41%) children did not see an NHS dentist in the 12 months to June this year¹. This is despite NHS dental treatment being free for under-18s. 

There has been a slight improvement compared to the previous 12 months, when 41.4% of children did not see an NHS dentist. However, the Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) at the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS) has said that the number of children not seeing a dentist is still unacceptably high.  

Earlier this month, FDS issued a new position statement, which revealed that there were more than 100,000 hospital admissions due to tooth decay among children under the age of 10 between April 2015 and April 2018 in England².

Professor Michael Escudier, Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons, said:

“Although we’ve seen a slight increase in the number of children visiting a dentist over the last year, the number who did not attend remains unacceptably high. Regular visits to the dentist ensure that a child’s oral health can be closely monitored as they grow up, and that any problems can be identified and addressed at an early stage.

 “An alarming number of children were admitted to hospital due to tooth decay in the last few years - especially when you consider that this is largely preventable by brushing teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, cutting the amount of sugar children eat, and visiting the dentist regularly. 

“It’s absolutely vital that families are made aware of just how important it is for children to visit the dentist. FDS would like to see the government co-ordinate a public health campaign highlighting that NHS dental care is free for all under-18s, and that children should visit a dentist at least once a year.

“We are also aware that in parts of the country it has become more difficult to access dental care. We believe that all patients should be able to access dental services when they need them, regardless of where they live. The government must commission an urgent review of the factors affecting access to dental care, with a view to addressing inequalities in different parts of the country.”

Notes to editors

1. NHS Dental Statistics for England 2018-19, Annual Report [PAS] available here: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/nhs-dental-statistics/2018-19-annual-report-pas

2. Faculty of Dental Surgery position statement on children’s oral health available here: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/news-and-events/media-centre/press-releases/childrens-oral-health-2019/.

3. 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.

4. For more information, please contact the RCS Press Office: Telephone: 020 7869 6047; e-mail: pressoffice@rcseng.ac.uk.; for out of hours media enquiries: 07966 486832.