DiagnosticsTORY Dental Plans A 'Waste Of Money' Says UK's Leading Oral Health Charity
The British Dental Health Foundation has called into question the basis of a Conservative party pledge to provide free check-ups in primary schools.
Health shadow secretary Andrew Lansley yesterday branded the Government"s 2007 scrapping of compulsory primary school dental checks as "shameful".
The Foundation - Britain"s leading independent oral health charity - welcomed the emphasis on prevention and children"s dentistry but says the Tories" planned ÷£17 million spend on school check-ups would be better spent on effective preventative measures.
Compulsory screenings became optional for Primary Care Trusts in 2007 after the National Screening Committee heard evidence highlighting a lack of impact on future oral health with isolated screenings failing to solve dental problems.
Foundation chief executive Dr Nigel Carter BDS LDS (RCS) said: "While we wholeheartedly support Mr Lansley"s commitment to increase the focus on preventative dentistry, compulsory school screenings are simply a waste of money when there are far more effective measures available.
"We live in an age of evidence-based medicine and dentistry and the evidence is overwhelming that school dental check-ups are not effective. Indeed, far from improving pupils" oral health they have been shown to increase existing disparities.
"Screenings are not a preventative measure since they diagnose existing decay. Instead the proposed additional budget would be best spent on real preventative measures from water fluoridation to targeted programmes in schools with the application of fluoride varnishes and supervised brushing.
"These measures have proved extremely successful at reducing child decay levels when implemented in the Scandinavian countries. We particularly need to target high-need areas with dental res. The Foundation would welcome an opportunity to work with the Shadow Health Team in developing their future dental policy."
The Foundation"s National Smile Month campaign began on May 17th promoting better oral health under the tagline "Look After Yourself, Brush for Health".
Key messages help the public maintain a healthy mouth and smile:
- Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Cut down on the frequency of sugary snack and drinks.
- Visit the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.
The Foundation"s National Dental Helpline is available on 0845 063 1188 for all public oral health enquiries.
The British Dental Health Foundation website is available at http://www.dentalhealth.org
The Foundation"s National Smile Month campaign runs May 17th to June 16th 2009.
The Foundation promotes three key messages:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Cut down how often you have sugary foods and drinks
- Visit the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend
The British Dental Health Foundation