NHS England calls for dentists to see 70,000 more pre-school children per year

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NHS England has set dentists a goal of seeing 70,000 more pre-school children per year in a bid to try and reduce the number of children suffering from decay.

The latest figures suggest that around 140 children are having teeth extracted every day, and NHS England is hoping to encourage more parents to ensure that their children see a dentist on a regular basis. In some areas, less than 50 percent of children saw a dentist last year, despite dental experts recommending routine checks every six months.

England’s chief dental officer, Sara Hurley, said that regular dental appointments could help to eliminate the need for young children to go through the stress of having their teeth extracted in hospital under general anaesthetic. The move could also make a significant difference to NHS spending on treating preventable cases of decay. Encouraging frequent visits at an early age can also promote positive lifestyle habits that increase the chances of children enjoying healthy teeth and gums when they reach adulthood.

To try and increase the number of children attending routine check-ups at an early age, NHS England has launched the Starting Well initiative. The scheme aims to provide assistance and support for dental professionals and provides access to resources and communications, which are designed to encourage parents to take their kids to the dentist. Figures suggest that only 10 percent of children have seen a dentist by the time they turn two. The programme will run alongside the Dental Check by One campaign, which is aimed at the parents of babies.

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