Children in special schools ‘have more teeth extracted’

A new Public Health England report has demonstrated that children in special schools have specific oral health needs compared to those in mainstream education.

The first national survey of oral health in special schools has shown that children in these establishments have slightly lower levels of tooth decay than those in mainstream schools, but are more likely to have their teeth extracted.

Additionally, the number of children in special support schools with a substantial amount of plaque is double that of those attending mainstream schools, with those who experience decay having more teeth affected and poorer oral hygiene.

The report also showed wide variation in tooth decay prevalence and severity between different parts of the country, with the north-west region having the poorest dental health.

As in mainstream schools, deprivation has an impact on tooth decay levels among special support school pupils, with those from the poorest households having the highest levels of decay.

Dr Sandra White, director of dental public health at Public Health England, said: "Local authorities and NHS England should take it upon themselves to provide dental services with specially trained staff who can cater for the multiple complex needs of these children."