William Eichler 11 February 2025

Council chiefs warn of ‘stark inequalities’ in oral health

Council chiefs warn of ‘stark inequalities’ in oral health image
Image: ElenaYakimova / Shutterstock.com.

Local authority leaders have urged the Government to take urgent action to address ‘stark inequalities in oral health’.

The Government’s oral health survey of five-year-old children for 2023/2024 shows that there has been a small decrease in the prevalence of dental decay – from 23.7% in 2022 to 22.4% in 2024.

However, it also revealed high levels of inequality with children in the most deprived areas twice as likely to experience dental decay compared to those in the least deprived areas (32.2% compared to 13.6%).

Responding to the figures, Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said the figures highlight ‘stark inequalities in oral health.’

He added: ‘We must take urgent action to reduce tooth decay in children, particularly in the most disadvantaged communities. The Government should use the upcoming Spending Review to invest in council-run oral health improvement programmes.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Chief Executive

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation
up to £165,000
Ebbsfleet is one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects, a 21st-century Garden City Ebbsfleet, Kent
Recuriter: Ebbsfleet Development Corporation

Partnership Co-ordinator - Voluntary & Community

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£43,545 - £52,767
Partnership Co-ordinator - Voluntary & ... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Planning Support Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Up to £34359 per annum
Keep our planning service running smoothly, supporting the team that shapes the future of our borough.As a Planning Support Officer, you'll play a vit England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Change Communications Lead

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
£42,839-£48,226
Having come out of government intervention after two years in 2024 Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Finance Officer - Debt Collection

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Finance Officer - Debt CollectionPermanent, Full Time£25,081 to £27,653 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner