BOS highlights key role of orthodontics in children’s dental health

The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) has submitted evidence to a one-off Health Select Committee session to highlight the role orthodontics plays in enhancing children’s oral health in England.

A report from the organisation detailed the broad spectrum of orthodontic problems experienced by children, while underlining the benefits of treatment, from functional to psychological improvements.

Alison Murray, chair of the BOS, said: "Orthodontic treatment delivers important oral health improvements, whether it's having teeth which are easier to clean or lower plaque scores. Meanwhile, individuals with only minor dental problems or no problems at all have a better oral health-related quality of life."

As such, it recommended that paediatric restorative and orthodontic specialist services be made more accessible to young people across the country, while the Department of Health should carry out a review of orthodontic waiting lists, increasing funding to areas where they are too long.

The society also called for funding to be given to deprived areas to deal with dental decay in young children and ensure that their dental development is not undermined by early extractions.

A registered charity since 1999, the BOS acts as the sole national representative of the entire orthodontic sector.