BSDHT warns against scrapping food technology A-level

The British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT) has criticised the government's proposal to remove the Food Technology A-level as an endorsed subject within design technology.

This comes after experts claimed that teaching the subject at A-level is unnecessary, and that it should not extend past GCSE-level. If the proposal is approved, the cohort of A-level food technology students enrolled in September this year will be the last ever.

However, the BSDHT has called for a reversal of the decision, as it believes this will lead to a major adverse impact on diet, nutrition and eating habits in relation to dental health.

This could be a major issue, given that the 2013 Children's Dental Health Survey found that nearly half of eight-year-olds had visible signs of tooth decay.

Michaela O'Neill, president of the BSDHT, said: "Some of the vital lessons taught at this level include advanced education into the benefits of a balanced diet, looking in depth at the topical and important subject of sugar and its role in causing tooth decay."

Formerly known as the British Dental Hygienists' Association, the BSDHT is a nationally recognised body that represents more than 4,000 members across the UK and beyond.