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Oral health strategy for children

EDM (Early Day Motion) 216: tabled on 14 December 2023

Tabled in the 2023-24 session.

This motion has been signed by 23 Members. It has not yet had any amendments submitted.

Motion text

That this House notes that tooth decay is one of the most common causes of hospital admission in young children, despite the fact that it is a largely preventable disease; expresses concern that, according to Government statistics, as of 2022, 23.7% of five year-olds in England experienced dentinal decay, with notable regional disparities, ranging from 19.1% in the South West to 30.6% in the North West; highlights that, in 2022, children living in the most deprived areas of the country were almost three times as likely to have experience of dentinal decay as those living in the least deprived areas; further highlights that poor oral health in children can lead to school absenteeism and that, as the Government has stated, it can cause pain and infection and affect a child’s ability to eat, smile and socialise; calls on the Government to urgently develop a comprehensive national children’s oral health strategy to secure a healthier future for children in England; believes that such a strategy should be led by the Department of Health and Social Care and that there should be collaboration with other Government departments and a wide range of stakeholders, including specialist paediatric dentists, in developing the strategy; and further believes that the strategy should commit to investing in oral health promotion initiatives, that it should outline clear goals to reduce waiting times and should focus on targeted preventive measures, early intervention, and improved access to high-quality dental care for all children, regardless of socioeconomic status or location.

The first 6 Members who have signed to support the motion are the sponsors. The primary sponsor is generally the person who tabled the motion and has responsibility for it. The date shown is when the Member signed the motion.

In addition to the sponsors, the following Members have signed to support the motion.

There are no withdrawn signatures for this motion.