NHS Dentists Taking A More Preventive Approach To Disease Management

Thu, 11 Jun 2009

NHS dentists have increased the prescription of high concentration toothpaste in their surgeries by 400 per cent since 2006, new figures have revealed.

According to official statistics released by the NHS Information Centre last week, the prescription of high concentration fluoride toothpaste by dentists rose by 237 per cent in 2008, following on from a 139 per cent rise in 2007.

The figures also show that dentists’ prescription of antibiotics fell last year, particularly the Amoxil sachets and powders (down by 45 per cent) which have long been used as prophylaxis against infective endocarditis prior to dental treatment .

According to the UK’s chief dental officer Barry Cockcroft, the data is a clear indication that dentists are changing their practice in response to the revised NICE guidelines.

He commented: "We are now seeing a very considerable growth in dentists starting to work in a more preventive way."

"The use of high concentrated toothpaste in addition to various fluoride varnish schemes is welcome news. I am also pleased to see dentists responding to the NICE guidelines."

He added: "The use of these products is one of the recommendations in the evidence-based prevention toolkit and demonstrates that we are beginning to influence and encourage a more preventive approach to disease management."

"The response to the first publication of the evidence-based toolkit - Delivering better health - was positive. The second edition is going out to every dentist in the country later this month and we hope that they share these practices with the entire team."
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