Dental surgeons respond to new data on oral health of children in Year 6

The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) has today (1 February) published the findings of its oral health survey of schoolchildren in Year 6. It was the first time that this group has been surveyed. 

The National Dental Epidemiology Programme (NDEP) survey took place in the 2022-23 academic year, with a total of 53,073 children linked to geographical areas and included in the final analysis.

The survey found that there was wide variation in both the prevalence and severity of experience of tooth decay by geographical area. Schoolchildren living in Yorkshire and The Humber were more likely to have experienced tooth decay (23%) compared with children living in the South West who were less likely to have experienced tooth decay (12%).

Responding to the findings, Dr Charlotte Eckhardt, Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said:

“It is really upsetting to know that in some areas up to 23% of children in Year 6 have experienced tooth decay. Tooth decay is largely preventable and therefore avoidable through reduced sugar consumption, regular tooth brushing and visits to the dentist.

“Part of the problem will be access to dentists. Although NHS dental care is free for all under-18s, we know that in some areas parents and carers are struggling to get appointments for their children. The survey also highlights health inequalities, with children living in the most deprived areas of the country more than twice as likely to have experienced tooth decay (23%), as those living in the least deprived areas (10%).

“The Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of England strongly supports the development of new targeted fluoridation schemes. It is particularly key for reducing health inequalities.”

Notes to editors:

• The NDEP oral health survey of children in Year 6, 2023, can be accessed here.
• Statistics on the impact of water fluoridation schemes on children’s oral health can be found here.
• The Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of England is an independent professional body committed to helping the entire dental team achieve and maintain excellence in practice and patient care. It provides world-class courses and its qualifications are internationally recognised, including its new Membership of The Faculty of Dental Surgery (MFDS) examination.
• The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England) provides world-class education, assessment, and development to 30,000 surgeons, dental professionals, and wider surgical and dental care teams at all stages of their careers. 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.
• For more information, please contact the Press Office: Telephone: 020 7869 6053/6054/6047; Email: pressoffice@rcseng.ac.uk; Out-of-hours media enquiries: 0207 869 6056.