ORAL health will be included in new statutory guidance on health education for schools in England.
Health education will become compulsory in all schools (except independent schools) when the guidance takes effect in September 2020. Oral health is likely to be taught as part of Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PHSE) lessons, which already take place in most state-funded schools in England.
FGDP(UK) has welcomed the move by the Department of Education. It points out that the UK was recently ranked the lowest of 13 countries for providing oral health education in schools. The new guidance will require that both primary and secondary school pupils are taught about dental health, including the benefits of good oral hygiene, dental flossing and regular dental check-ups, the characteristics of a poor diet, and the risks associated with unhealthy eating, including tooth decay.
Roshni Karia, vice-dean of FGDP(UK) and the Faculty’s representative on Public Health England’s Children’s Oral Health Improvement Programme Board, commented: "Many children and parents are still unsure about what good oral health looks like, and are unaware of its importance for general health.
"As dentists we only get the chance to provide this message to those that come to see us, but unfortunately up to a third of school-aged children don’t. So the inclusion of oral health in the school curriculum is fantastic news, and potentially a very significant moment in improving children's oral health."
This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.
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