BDA calls for the government to do more to promote free NHS dental care for children
The British Dental Association has called for the government to do more to promote free dental services for children.
According to a recent YouGov survey, only 74 percent of parents are aware that NHS dental check-ups are available free of charge for children. Less than 70 percent knew that fillings were free for under 18’s and just 54 percent knew that orthodontic treatment was available without charge for children.
More than 40 percent of parents polled admitted that they had delayed seeing a dentist themselves as a result of cost, and young parents were least likely to know about NHS dental charges.
In light of the survey findings, the British Dental Association has urged the government to do more to ensure that parents are aware that their children can access free dental care on the NHS. The associations chair of general dental practice, Henrik Overgaard-Nielsen, said that 5 million children around the country are missing out on seeing a dentist, and many parents are avoiding the dentist as a result of cost. In many cases, parents aren’t taking their child to the dentist because they assume that they have to pay for any treatment that is required, and the government should act to make sure that parents understand what is available and how they can access dental care in their area.
As the number of extractions carried out on children rises year on year, the BDA is calling for ministers to promote free NHS care more openly and encourage parents to take their children for check-ups on a regular basis.
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