Million pound programme aims to reduce tooth decay in Wales
A million pound programme has been launched to try and reduce rates of tooth decay amongst children from underserved areas in South Wales.
The three year study will focus on poorer communities; during this period of time, the dental professionals will provide dental care to the region’s poorest children by visiting schools in mobile dental units.
The money has been awarded to a research team, which is made up of experts from Cardiff and Swansea universities and the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board’s Community Dental Service; the one million pound grant has been provided by the National Institute for Health Research.
Over the course of the next three years, more than 2,800 primary school children will be monitored closely to determine the effectiveness of two different preventative treatments: fluoride varnish and plastic sealant treatments. The results of the study will help to shape dental treatment for children in the future.
Currently, standards of oral health amongst children from poorer areas of South Wales are very poor; in comparison to children from more affluent areas, standards are much lower and officials are keen to find ways to level the playing field.
The study will be lead by Professor Ivor Chestnutt, from Cardiff University’s dental school.
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