We understand the challenges that families face when it comes to accessing dental care. We hear it from them directly.
The issue of 'dental deserts' in the UK is a growing concern, with hundreds of thousands of people resorting to hospitals or GPs each year for treatment (Khan, 2024). This problem is only getting worse, and it's our children who are suffering the most (Khan, 2024).
Tooth decay is now the leading cause of NHS hospital admissions for children aged between five and 17 in England. With 40% of children no longer having access to regular dental appointments (Khan, 2024) .
Between April 2022 and May 2023, 30,000 children and more than 70,000 adults in England were admitted to A&E with tooth decay (Khan, 2024). This is a reminder of the importance of regular dental check-ups and the role they play in preventing severe dental issues.
The current state of our dentistry system is a cause for concern. At Babyzone, we believe that every child deserves access to quality dental care, regardless of their family's financial situation. We pioneer in early years which includes promoting and raising awareness for good, disciplined dental hygiene.
The Kings’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust recently visited Babyzone Croydon. Below is a report by Ugne Palubinskaite (Oral Health Educator) on the visit.
"The visit to the Legacy Centre Babyzone, a bustling hub for families with young children, aimed to evaluate and enhance mouth care awareness and practices among the community. The team focused on assessing current oral hygiene habits, providing education, resources, and offering preventative care.
Some community members showed limited knowledge about proper oral hygiene practises for young children. Common issues included infrequent brushing, improper brushing techniques, prolonged dummy and bottle use and lack of regular dental check-ups. Several barriers including access to dental care and cultural misconceptions about mouth care were identified.
Tooth decay in children is not just a health concern but a societal issue with potential long-term consequences. It can cause communication and socialisation problems during their developmental years, leading to missed school days due to painful symptoms or the need for dental appointments. This affects children and profoundly affects their families and society, resulting in a significant financial burden on healthcare systems, lost workdays for parents, and associated reduction of workforce productivity (Health Matters: Child Dental Health 2017).
We are honoured to work with Babyzone team . Our team is resolutely committed to empowering local workforces and fostering partnerships within our communities, guided by the local authorities. This commitment is a testament to our shared dedication to the betterment of our communities.
I fervently hope we continue to work on regular intervals, build on this positive trend and strengthen our partnerships, ultimately benefiting the communities in Croydon."