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.’

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

HR Onboarding Officer (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £27,259 - £29,955 (Pay award pending)
You have an opportunity to be part of a busy Human Resources team which offers HR support across the Council. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Purchase to Pay Administrator (Fixed Term) - WMF2122e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£25,584 - £25,992
We are looking for an Administrator to join our Purchase to Pay and Accounts Receivables team Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Social Worker - WMF2123e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£41,511 - £42,708
We’re looking for passionate social workers to join our team in Kendal following a recent reshape of our services. Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Environmental Health Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£38,626 - £41,511
We are looking to appoint a full time Environmental Health Officer within the Environmental Protection and Community Safety Department. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Trainee Graduate Accountant

Wyre Borough Council
£25,992 - £37,938
Are you looking to kickstart your career in Finance? Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner