The indicators contained within this oral health domain will support local authorities to focus on and prioritise oral health and oral health improvement initiatives, particularly among young children and vulnerable adults. Local authorities have had responsibility for improving health and reducing inequalities, including oral health, since April 2013.
The indicators can be used as important contributions to joint strategic needs assessments. The indicator tooth decay levels among five-year-olds, in particular, is very useful as it can give early indication of the success, or otherwise, of interventions aimed at very young children, such as those designed to improve parenting, children’s weight or overall health or diet. Tooth decay levels can also be used as early proxy measures of the impact of programmes focussed on weaning and feeding practices or improving parenting skills.
The indicators can be used as important contributions to joint strategic needs assessments. The indicator tooth decay levels among five-year-olds, in particular, is very useful as it can give early indication of the success, or otherwise, of interventions aimed at very young children, such as those designed to improve parenting, children’s weight or overall health or diet. Tooth decay levels can also be used as early proxy measures of the impact of programmes focussed on weaning and feeding practices or improving parenting skills. The risk of developing oral disease can be reduced by the adoption of healthy behaviours. Tooth decay risk can be reduced by restricting the consumption of sugary foods and drinks and brushing daily with fluoride toothpaste. These behaviours are also linked with improvements in general health.
Reliable data on tooth decay levels can assist with planning and commissioning oral health improvement programmes. These should be commissioned following strategic planning, taking into account the measured health needs of the population. Guidance is available from Public Health England and NICE regarding commissioning effective oral health improvement programmes.
Latest updates from the Dental Public Health Intelligence Programme website
2021 Hospital tooth extractions
2020 oral health survey of three year olds
2020 dental prescribing dashboard
2020 adult oral health in care homes toolkit
2019 oral health survey of five year olds
2019 dental epidemiology toolkit for local authorities
2018 oral health survey of adults attending general dental practices
2017 oral health survey of five year olds
2016 oral health survey of older people aged 65+ with mild dependency
2017 NICE guidance on oral health for adults in care homes
2013/14 oral health survey of five and twelve year olds attending special support schools
For further information about the full range of Dental Public Health reports that we have produced, as well as protocols and supporting information for dental surveys currently in production, please visit our Oral Health Collections website.
For any enquiries about Dental Public Health Intelligence data please contact us at DentalPHIntelligence@dhsc.gov.uk
