§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the information available to the public about preventive dentistry.
§ Dr. OwenI can never be fully satisfied while the dental health of the nation remains in its present poor state. A great deal of information is available from dentists and other sources within the NHS and elsewhere. Unfortunately, the fact that guidance on proper oral hygiene and good eating habits is available does not of itself improve dental health. The Health Education Council, however, is pursuing studies into the effectiveness of such information in motivating the public.
The Consultative Document "Prevention & Health—Everybody's Business" published last month by the Health Departments of Great Britain and Northern Ireland contains information about the benefits of the fluoridation of water supplies as a measure for the prevention of dental decay.