FDS alarmed by nine-fold variation in hospital admissions for dentistry
30 Jun 2015
In response to today's data on dental hospital admissions by the HSCIC, Professor Nigel Hunt, Dean, Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons said:
“Today’s data is a stark reminder of the inequalities in children’s oral health that persist across the country. We are alarmed that the South Yorkshire region has over 9 times the rate of hospital admissions for dentistry among under fifteen year olds compared to Leicestershire and Lincolnshire.
“In addition 5-9 year olds continue to account for the highest age group to be admitted to hospital for tooth decay when this is nearly entirely preventable.
“Hospital treatment is often required for dental problems that are more serious and complex. We strongly urge the government to invest in further research to understand the variation.
“A national public health programme is urgently needed to tackle preventable tooth decay.“
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