Dental health indicators to be included in NHS outcomes framework

In response to the Government’s decision to include indicators for dental health for the first time in the NHS Outcomes Framework, Professor Nigel Hunt, Dean, Faculty of Dental Surgery said:

“Inclusion of measures of dental decay in the outcomes framework is a long overdue step in recognising the value of good oral health in the population.

“This is particularly important in the case of children. The number of children, under the age of 10 currently being hospitalised due to tooth decay is alarming, and this is largely preventable.

“To reduce the prevalence of tooth decay and extractions we need to encourage improvements in diets, regular dental check-ups and brushing with fluoride toothpaste. Measuring the number of children who are having teeth extracted and rates of tooth decay will enable us to shine a spotlight on where improvements are needed.”