Children in special education being let down

Public Health England’s first national survey of oral health in special schools shows that while pupils have slightly lower levels of tooth decay than those in mainstream schools, they are more likely to have teeth extracted.

The research also shows that children with severe special education needs and disabilities (SEND) who experienced decay have more teeth affected and poorer oral hygiene.  

The data reveals the same shocking regional and socio-economic variation in oral health seen in mainstream schools, with 41 per cent of 12 year olds in the North West experiencing decay, compared to 22 per cent in the South East.

Tooth decay remains the number one cause of hospital admissions among young children in Britain.

Anna Ireland, chair of the BDA’s Dental Public Health Committee, said:

“All tooth decay is preventable, and some of the most vulnerable children in our society are being let down. This new evidence makes for sobering reading, and shows again why government and other organisations must support dentists, teachers and parents to improve oral health.