Minister quizzed on prevention and fluoridation
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- Published: Wednesday, 12 February 2014 08:00
- Written by News Editor
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Baroness Garner of Parkes, a retired dentist, asked the Government what progress had been made in prevention for children and water fluoridation. Minister, Earl Howe, replied that Public Health England was developing updated guidance on prevention. He also said that the Government expects local authorities to develop plans to improve oral health and which could include water fluoridation.
Baroness Gardner of Parkes (Conservative)
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that children receive adequate treatment and instruction to protect them from developing dental disease.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress has been made in the introduction of fluoridation in water systems since May 2010; and what plans they have to increase the use of fluoridation of water in the interests of dental health.
Earl Howe (Conservative)
Public Health England (PHE) is currently developing updated guidance for health care professionals on the prevention of dental disease in the form of the third edition of the guidance document Delivering Better Oral Health. This guidance will include specific advice regarding the provision of preventative dental advice and treatment for children. PHE is also developing guidance for commissioners of oral health promotion programmes for children and young people. Both sets of guidance will be published by May 2014.
The Government’s policy remains that decisions on fluoridation should be taken locally. Between May 2010 and April 2013 decision making was exercised by National Health Service strategic health authorities and governed by regulations. Since April 2013 upper tier and unitary local authorities have the powers to make proposals to introduce, or further extend, water fluoridation schemes and undertake consultations under the Water Fluoridation (Proposals and Consultation) (England) Regulations 2013.
Tooth decay remains a public health problem. This Government therefore expects that local authorities develop plans to improve oral health and would consider water fluoridation in the context of these plans.
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