Designed to Smile celebrates 10 years improving children’s oral health

Designed to SmileDesigned to Smile, the Welsh oral health scheme aimed at improving children’s oral health, is celebrating its 10th birthday.

Since its launch in 2009, tooth decay in five-year-old Welsh children has dropped by more than 10%.

There has also been a 35% reduction in the number of children undergoing dental procedures under general anaesthesia.

‘There is no doubt that prevention works, and results in less children suffering and having to take time off school due to tooth decay,’ Minister for Health and Social Care, Vaughan Gething, said.

‘Studies show children with decay in baby teeth are three times more likely to have decay in their adult teeth.

‘We need to make every effort to keep children decay free by five.

‘The last 10 years have shown what can be achieved through preventative measures.

‘A scheme that was criticised by some when first introduced has brought about great changes and had a significant impact on children’s dental health.

‘Whilst we celebrate this milestone, we must strive to eradicate tooth decay completely.’

‘Prevention works’

The British Dental Association (BDA) Wales is using the opportunity to urge the government not to rest on its laurels.

It highlights concerns that Designed to Smile is taking budget away from treating older children.

Several health boards have stopped offering fluoride varnish applications to six to seven-year-olds, BDA Wales claims.

‘Designed to Smile has made significant inroads, but the Welsh government cannot rest on its laurels,’ Lauren Harrhy, deputy chair of the BDA’s Welsh General Dental Practice Committee, said.

‘Tooth decay remains the number one reason for hospital admissions among our children.

‘Yes we’re playing catch-up, but we still lag behind England in terms of oral health.

‘This scheme shows prevention works.

‘So we need real investment from Ministers not penny pinching.

‘And we need a willingness to act on a crisis that’s left barely a quarter of NHS practices taking on new child patients.’

Lack of NHS availability

BDA research shows only 27% of Welsh dental practices are taking on new child NHS patients.

Almost half (41%) of dental practices in Wales say they are taking daily enquiries from new patients seeking appointments.

One practice in Cardiff and Vale reported receiving more than 60 calls a day from would-be patients.

‘These figures confirm that the current NHS contract arrangements for dentists simply aren’t working,’ Plaid Cymru AM, Dr Dai Lloyd, said.

‘The low number of practices taking on new NHS patients and the variation between different parts of Wales is a significant concern.

‘People are not receiving the services that they need.

‘Recently, the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee undertook a review of dentistry in Wales.

‘We were clear that changes need to be made by the Welsh government in order to improve matters.

‘The current contract arrangements need to change if we are to see improvements.’


Related stories:

Favorite
Get the most out of your membership by subscribing to Dentistry CPD
  • Access 600+ hours of verified CPD courses
  • Includes all GDC recommended topics
  • Powerful CPD tracking tools included
Register for webinar
Share
Add to calendar