Bolton PCT urged to reinstate school dental screening

Deborah Dunleavy, prospective Conservative MP for Bolton North East, is urging the Primary Care Trust to reintroduce a dental screening programme for children in school after it was revealed children in the area have above-average levels of dental decay.

On average, a child in England has 1.5 teeth decayed, filled or extracted by the time they reach 5 years old.  In Bolton, the figure is 2.5 teeth⁽¹⁾ – the 10^th  worst figure in England.

The Primary Care Trust has also confirmed, in response to questions by the Conservatives, that they no longer provide a dental screening programme for 6-9 year olds.

Deborah said: “Local mums and dads may not be aware that the Primary Care Trust has decided to stop screening children for dental health.  With the worst child dental health in England, there is clearly a need for the Primary Care Trust to work more closely with dentists, schools and parents to tackle this problem.

“The obligation for the authorities to carry out a dental inspection of school children dates from 1918.  It was a great way of identifying those children needing treatment, as well as providing advice to parents on the action required. 

“Back in January 2007, the Government removed this obligation from the PCTs.  I’d like to know why Bolton’s PCT took the opportunity to stop screening and what alternatives they are proposing.”