Oral health promotion in the community

The new guidance outlines how local authorities can identify the oral health needs of people in local communities and also puts in place steps they can take to address oral health inequalities in those communities.

As well as carrying out oral health assessments of communities, the NICE guidance also advises local authorities to ensure that health and social care services include oral health in care plans of people who are receiving health or social care support and are at high risk of poor oral health.

They also recommend that local authorities provide oral health improvement programmes in early years services and schools in areas where children and young people are at high risk of poor oral health.

To read the full NICE guidance please visit: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs139/resources/oral-health-promotion-in-the-community-75545427440581

Reactions

Following publication of the new guidance, The Oral Health Foundation is calling on local authorities to improve their oral health services and the signposting of available dental services to local communities.