Dentists call for introduction of new sugar tax

The dental industry is endorsing the introduction of a new sugar tax to help address the critical shortfall in the budget for NHS dentistry.

During the 2015 Conference of Local Dental Committees in London, the British Dental Association (BDA) said the widespread availability of cheap sugary foods and drink is having a harmful impact on oral health.

At the same time, chronic underfunding of the dental sector means dentists are only able to see 56 percent of the population over a two-year period, thus putting public health at further risk.

As such, the proposed tax on sugary products would address both of these problems at the same time.

BDA general dental practice committee Henrik Overgaard-Nielsen said: "A tax on sugar – the source of most tooth decay – would provide vital funding needed to treat disease now and invest in a prevention programme to ensure everyone benefits from good dental health."

The BDA has previously voiced concerns that one in eight three-year olds in the UK experience tooth decay, despite it being a preventable disease.