Taking care of your smile
Summary of report content
Youthwatch Leeds, a group of 13 to 25-year-old Healthwatch Leeds volunteers, wanted to research the oral health of children and young people in Leeds. You can find the report here.
Key findings
- Many dental practices are not taking new NHS patients. Those that are, have long waiting lists.
- The cost of dental care impacts how those with financial difficulties look after their teeth.
- Some children and young people are experiencing anxiety, distress and poor school outcomes because of poor oral health.
- Some dentists do not explain things well, increasing young people’s fear of visiting the dentist, and leads them to avoiding visiting the dentist.
- Some dentists support people as an individual, for example, using story boards to support autistic children.
- 88% of children and young people say their parents or carers taught them how to care for their teeth. They do not all have correct information.
- Not all families are given access to translators when visiting the dentist. Written information is also not always available in other languages.
- For those newly arrived in the UK, access to dental care is not a clear process. Many struggle to know where they can access support.
- School staff have supported families to access dental services.
The report has 7 recommendations to improve oral health for children and young people.