Here’s the key graphic as discussed in my lecture for Colgate. Click the image to view full size.
The Community Dental Service is just one service for patients, particularly vulnerable ones, delivering dental care. In a detailed article published in April’s British Dental Journal, the Editor examines joined up dental services.
He discusses the role of A&E services, primary care and community dental services. The article challenges whether NHS Dentistry is as joined up as it should be and highlights some great initiatives that are helping.
Treating Dental Disease costs the NHS £3.4 billion pounds a year (2014). Child teeth extractions in 2015/16 cost £35.6 million. Many of these extractions are preventable with the right oral healthcare. But as the Editor David Westgarth points out, disadvantaged communities are still most prone to dental issues despite community dental services.