Dental surgeons respond to latest figures for hospital tooth extractions due to tooth decay in 0 to 19-year-olds

• There were 30,587 episodes of tooth extractions with a primary diagnosis of tooth decay for 0 to 19-year-olds
• Latest figures show a 2% decrease in the number of episodes of decay-related tooth extractions in hospital for 0 to 19-year-olds compared to the previous financial year ending 2023
• However, the data also reveals significant regional disparities. The rate of decay-related tooth extractions in Yorkshire and the Humber is 454 per 100,000 population of 0 to 19-year-olds, over six times higher than the East Midlands, which has a rate of 70 per 100,000
• 62% of all tooth extractions carried out on 0 to 19-year-olds with dental caries being the primary diagnosis
• 19,381 tooth extractions carried out on 5 to 9-year-olds with dental caries being the primary diagnosis
• More 5 to 9-year-olds were admitted to hospital for tooth extractions (19,381) due to dental caries than acute tonsilitis (12,283)
• The estimated cost to the NHS for hospital admissions for tooth extractions in 0 to 19-year-olds was £74.8 million, with £45.8 million attributed to decay-related extractions in the financial year ending 2024.

Dr Charlotte Eckhardt, Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, has expressed concerns over the latest data from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID).  

"While we've seen a slight decrease in the number of extractions due to tooth decay, these latest figures remain a stark reminder of the persistent prevalence of a largely preventable condition.

“It is deeply troubling that tooth decay continues to be the leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged five to nine. Any reduction in extractions is welcome, however these figures show that we are still failing too many children due to inadequate access to preventive dental care.

“While we must continue to encourage children and young people to brush regularly with fluoride toothpaste, visit a dentist routinely, and reduce sugary food and drinks intake, these measures alone are not enough. 
"This data reveals a substantial ongoing cost to the NHS and highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve dental access for all children and young people, particularly in underserved communities. The lack of access to an NHS dentist is an issue of inequity. Significant reforms to the NHS dental contract are needed to support the workforce in delivering a comprehensive service. We call on the government to deliver a timeline for these reforms immediately."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. Hospital tooth extractions in 0 to 19-year-olds 2024: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hospital-tooth-extractions-in-0-to-19-year-olds-2024
2. 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.
3. The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England) provides world-class education, assessment, and development to 30,000 surgeons, dental professionals, and members of the wider surgical and dental care teams, at all stages of their career. Our vision is to see excellent surgical care for everyone. We do this by setting professional standards, facilitating research, and championing the best outcomes for patients.  
4. For more information, please contact the RCS England press office: telephone: 020 7869 6053/6054/6047; email: pressoffice@rcseng.ac.uk; out-of-hours media enquiries: 0207 869 6056.