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Children's dental health
08/06/2010
Children's dental health has 'never been better', according to a report published today confirming that 64 per cent of P7s have no sign of tooth decay.
Public Health Minister Shona Robison announced the report's findings at the NHS Scotland Event.
The report, by the National Dental Inspection Programme, also shows that the Scottish Government target for 60 per cent of primary sevens to have no obvious signs of tooth decay has been met.
During her speech, Ms Robison also commented on successes in public heath such as shifting cultural attitudes to smoking and 'ground-breaking' work to address Scotland's relationship with alcohol.
Ms Robison said:
"There are now more kids in Scotland with healthy teeth than ever before.
"We wanted 60 per cent of primary sevens to have no sign of tooth decay by 2010 and I am pleased to say that this target has been met.
"Dental health in Scotland is improving, particularly in deprived communities, and this is a trend that we want to continue.
"Thanks to work to ensure that children know the importance of dental care at the earliest age, Scotland's primary sevens are now better placed to have a lifetime of good oral health.
"Across all areas of the NHS, not just in oral health, we are committed to improving the wellbeing of our nation. That means supporting measures that prevent ill health. We don't just want to treat people who are ill, we want to make sure people stay healthy.
"In today's tough economic times we need to be as efficient as possible and that means maximising our investment in the health of the Scottish people."
The NHS Scotland Event provides the opportunity for those who work in, and with, the NHS in Scotland to discuss, share and learn more about tools, techniques and good practice happening across the country that supports the delivery of continuous quality improvement in Scotland.
The 2009 National Dental Inspection Programme (NDIP) is a development of the Scottish Health Boards' Epidemiological Programme. It is a joint venture between all NHS Boards in Scotland, the Scottish Health Department, Glasgow Dental School (University of Glasgow) and the Dental Health Services Research Unit, Dundee, and is co-ordinated by a national committee (the Scottish Dental Epidemiology Co-ordinating Committee).
The Scottish Government worked with partners, including Health Boards, Schools and general dental practitioners, across Scotland to develop the Childsmile Programme, which aims to improve children's oral heath. The programme emphasises the importance of tooth brushing and helps parents establish a healthy diet from the earliest stage.