New data reveals children in Fylde are seeing NHS dentists more than anywhere else in the UK - here's why

More children in areas across the Fylde Coast are accessing NHS dental care more than anywhere else in England.

Newly published data has revealed that in Wyre, 61.64 per cent of children have been seen by an NHS dentist in the last 12 month period, above the national average of 58%.

And in Fylde, that rose to 66%.

Blackpool was more in-line with the national figures but the news means that children living in the most deprived areas of the Fylde Coast are able to access the care they need.

Children’s dental health is growing concern across the UK, particularly because of difficulties accessing NHS dental care.

It can be challenging, leaving some children without regular check-ups and preventative treatment. This can allow avoidable problems such as tooth decay to become more serious.

Poor dental hygiene and frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks are major contributors to tooth decay. There are also significant inequalities: children in more deprived areas are considerably more likely to experience dental problems.

However, this significant local achievement reflects the work of dental teams and partners to improve access, promote prevention and target support towards children who face barriers to receiving routine care.

Amy Lepiorz, Associate Director of Primary Care for NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB, said: “We are delighted to see that more children in our area have accessed an NHS dentist, but not surprised.

“A lot of work has been done specifically to address the issue and providers and partners have been unified in helping us improve.”

A central part of this work in recent years is the targeted child dental access scheme supporting children living in deprived areas Blackpool and Wyre as well as other areas of Lancashire.

The scheme is available to children aged until their 17th birthday who do not have access to a regular dentist.

Referrals can be made using a simple form, while participating practices may accept walk-ins or direct approaches. Children are directed to the nearest participating dental practice based on their home address.

Ms Lepiorz added: “Ensuring children can see a dentist regularly is vital to identifying problems early, improving oral health and reducing inequalities.

"Our targeted scheme provides access to NHS dental care for children who do not have a regular dentist, particularly in communities where access and oral health outcomes have historically been poor.

“In parts of the area, we have some of the worse oral health in the country, and the evidence shows us that it is children living in the most deprived areas who are at most risk. Providing dental access for children in those communities, alongside local authority led supervised toothbrushing schemes are evidence-based interventions that will support an improvement in the oral health of those children.

“We will continue to build on this by working with practices, health and care services, schools, voluntary organisations and communities to help children receive care closer to home.”

The new figures also show that the number of adults accessing NHS dentists over a 24-month period (43.5 per cent) was 3.7 per cent higher than the national average.