South Asian Children In The UK Least Likely To Have Dental Check Ups

Mon, 18 May 2009

Children of Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani decent are less likely to have visited a dentist than any other ethnic group in the UK, according to new research by the Department of Health (DH).

The DH study found that Bangladeshi children from deprived backgrounds are the worst affected, with only 45 per cent of boys and 46 per cent of girls of Bangladeshi descent having visited the dentist over the past twelve months.

It also worryingly discovered that the rate of Bangladeshi children having ever had their teeth checked by a dentist is around half the rate of the general UK population.

The findings are in stark contrast to figures released last month which revealed that three quarters of under-16s in England have visited a dentist in the past year.

The DH cited cultural and economic reasons for the lapse in dental health care, and suggested that many South Asian parents only take their children to the dentist when they have a problem, such as toothache, instead of the recommended routine check-ups every six months.

Health experts also believe that South Asian parents lack the necessary knowledge, with many unaware that NHS dental care is free for under-18s.

Health Minister Ann Keen commented: "We are aware that South Asian children are less likely to have visited a dentist than any other ethnic group and we are keen to educate parents about their right to free NHS dental services for all children under-18 years."

The Department of Health is currently producing guidance notes for all Primary Care Trusts across the country, which will provide ideas about how the PCTs can promote the issue to local South Asian communities in their area.

The aim of the documents, which should be published later this summer, is to raise awareness of the problem and to help support more 'vulnerable and socially deprived' sections of the Asian community.
add to favouritesnewsletterlink to this pagesend to friendpost comments

Link to this page

Copy and Paste the following HTML into your page.

Health cover, life insurance and PMIProtect Your Health

Find Critical illness, Life and Private Medical Insurance PMI policies.

Save money on your mortgageSave on Your Mortgage

Would you like to save money on your mortgage? Fill out our quick mortgage enquiry form