HC Deb 24 April 2002 vol 384 cc355-6W
David Davis

To ask the Secretary of State for Health which primary care trusts/groups have met the national target for tooth decay in children. [50605]

Ms Blears

There are two national targets for tooth decay in children aged five years.

(a) A reduction in the average number of decayed, missing or filled teeth (dmft) to 1.0 teeth by the year 2003.

(b) An increase in the proportion of children with no caries experience to 70 per cent. by the year 2003.

The British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry carries out a survey on dental caries experience of five-year-old children every two years. The latest survey is for 1999–2000.

The health authorities in England who have met either or both of the national targets for the year 2003 by 1999–2000 is shown in the table.

Information is not available by primary care trust or primary care groups.

Health authorities already meeting tooth decay targets for 2003 by 1999–2000
Health authority Target 1 Average number of decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft more than 1.0) Target 2 Percentage of children with no caries experience
Solihull 0.58 77.2
Dudley 0.59 78.3
Kingston and Richmond 0.66 78.8
Warwickshire 0.70 74.0
Worcestershire 0.71 76.4
South Staffordshire 0.72 73.6
Lincolnshire 0.74 75.2
West Kent 0.78 70.5
Bromley 0.78 75.5
Walsall 0.81 72.5
North and Mid Hampshire 0.83 74.6
North Essex 0.84 72.5
Suffolk 0.87 71.4
Sandwell1 0.89 66.0
Croydon 0.90 72.3
East Surrey 0.91 71.5
East Sussex, Brighton and Hove 0.91 74.1
Buckinghamshire 0.92 73.9
South Essex 0.92 71.1
Dorset 0.95 72.4
Birmingham1 0.97 68.4
Coventry1 0.97 68.7
East Kent 0.98 71.8
1 Health authority has met target 1 but not met target 2.

David Davis

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans there are to combat child tooth decay in the West Hull Primary Care Trust area. [50606]

Jacqui Smith

Starting from May 2002, every baby in the East Riding and Hull area will receive a baby dental pack at their seven to nine month health assessment. Two "Sure Start" pilots in the West Hull area will also benefit from the brushing for life scheme. This Government initiative aims to improve oral health of children under five years. Free toothbrushes and toothpaste will be given to children at their eight month and 18 month general health development check.