The percentage of children across Lanarkshire with no obvious dental decay is showing significant improvements.
The National Dental Inspection Programme (NDIP) is carried out annually in all health boards within Scotland with support from the Scottish Dental Epidemiology Co-ordinating Committee.
Throughout the course of the programme, dental staff carry out dental inspections for primary one and primary seven pupils, with detailed inspections alternating annually between P1 and P7.
The main aim of NDIP is to inform parents and care-givers of the dental health status of the child in their care.
The most recent NDIP report for 2023/24 has shown that for the first time the number of children with no signs of tooth decay in Lanarkshire is now above the Scottish average.
Professor Soumen Sengupta, Director for Health and Social Care at NHS Lanarkshire said: “Good oral health in childhood is important for healthy teeth and gums throughout life. Teaching children to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, is an important part in supporting their overall health and wellbeing.
“The positive findings of the most recent NDIP programme shows the very real difference that is being made to the health of children across Lanarkshire.
“This is to the credit to all of our staff and partners involved, especially in our nurseries and schools, to parents and families for their engagement and support, and most importantly to the children themselves.”
Albert Yeung, Consultant in Dental Public Health, added: “NHS Lanarkshire is committed to reducing inequalities in oral health of children and I am delighted that the oral health of P1 children has improved steadily since 2003 and has now exceeded the 2024 target of 74.6% set by the Scottish Government.
“We continue to work together across organisations to promote good oral health for children, parents or carers through the national Childsmile programme.
“This includes daily supervised tooth brushing within nurseries and primary schools across Lanarkshire as well as supporting access to dental care.”
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