Ever had a throbbing toothache that just wouldn't quit? It’s miserable, right? And unfortunately, it's a situation far too many Londoners find themselves in. As Chair of the London Assembly Health Committee, I’ve been digging deep into the state of dentistry in our city, and the picture isn't pretty. Our new report, “Decay & Delay: The state of Dentistry and Oral Health in London,” lays bare the stark reality of dental care in the capital.
Let's start with the kids. A shocking one in four five-year-olds in London suffers from tooth decay. That's higher than the national average. Think about that – tiny children already experiencing dental problems. It's heartbreaking. And the situation only gets worse. Over 5,000 children under ten were admitted to hospital for tooth extractions in London last year. Imagine the pain, the cost, and the long-term impact.
But it’s not just children. Access to NHS dentists is a major issue across the board. Less than half of London’s children saw an NHS dentist last year, and for adults, the figures are barely better. We’re talking about a massive access crisis. And this isn't just a matter of inconvenience. Poor oral health impacts everything from a child’s ability to learn to an adult’s overall wellbeing.
One of the biggest problems is the current NHS dental contract. It's simply not working. It’s outdated, underfunded, and frankly, not fit for purpose. This was something in the new Labour Government’s manifesto so there is hope that it will be an issue that will progress after years of inactivity Funding hasn't kept pace with inflation, meaning there isn't enough NHS dental activity to meet the needs of our growing population. We need fundamental reform, and we need it now.
So, what are we doing about it? Our report lays out some key recommendations. First, we're calling for urgent dental contract reform. This isn't something that can wait. We need action to start this year.
Second, we need to get the message out about the importance of dental check-ups, especially for children. Many people don't realise that dental care is free for certain groups. We're urging the Mayor to work with NHS England and local health bodies on a public awareness campaign targeting those most in need.
Third, we need to focus on prevention. Supervised toothbrushing programs in schools are vital, particularly in areas with high levels of deprivation. In my previous capacity as the Cabinet Member for Public Health in Brent I introduced supervised toothbrushing in the most deprived parts of the Borough. We're pushing for government funding to expand these programmes in areas of the highest need.
Finally, we need to explore all options for improving oral health. This includes investigating the feasibility of fluoridating London's water supply. It’s a complicated picture with multiple water companies covering London and some also having coverage in areas outside of the capital, but one that deserves serious consideration.
Good oral health isn't a luxury, it's a fundamental right. Everyone deserves access to quality dental care, regardless of their background or postcode. London should be smiling with pride at its dental care, but sadly, that’s not the case right now. We need to get to the root of these problems and ensure everyone has a healthy smile. It’s time for action, not just words.
