Large Scale Study into Children’s Dental Health Launched in Northern Ireland

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A large-scale study into children’s dental health has been launched in Northern Ireland.

More than 1,200 children from 22 dental practices across the country are involved in the Northern Ireland Caries Prevention in Practice Trial, the largest practice-based study ever to be carried out with the aim to reduce rates of dental decay among children.

The trial is being funded by the Health Technology Assessment scheme of the National Institute for Health Research and is aiming to identify potential ways of improving standards of oral health in children and tackling decay.

Rates of decay among children in Northern Ireland are the highest in the UK.

During the trial, a number of measures, including fluoride varnish treatment and fluoride toothpaste, are being trialled and the trial will span three years.

Health workers, dentists and education professionals are working together to make the scheme a success and children from years 2 and 3 at St Joseph’s Primary School, Crumlin, undertook training exercises organised by the University of Manchester and Lancashire Care Dental Services. Training ensures that the effects of the trial can be measured properly.

Head of Dental Services at the Health and Social Care Board, Michael Donaldson, said that this is the largest research study of its kind to take place in the UK and described it as a “major coup” for Northern Ireland. The findings of the study will be used to assess the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of using preventative measures, such as fluoride varnish, in the future and help to shape children’s dental care going forward.

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