Extra Funding to Tackle Tooth Decay in Cumbria

Extra Funding to Tackle Tooth Decay in Cumbria

Health bosses at NHS Cumbria have confirmed a funding boost of £1.5 million to tackle tooth decay among children in the region.

NHS Cumbria has received the additional funding from the Department of Health to try and reduce rates of tooth decay among children. The extra money will be used to improve access to NHS dentists in order to provide dental care for children in the area who have not seen a dentist for two years.

The money will also enable health bosses to ensure that all children who have been waiting for treatment are placed with a surgery close to their home.

Figures published in the local press last summer revealed that children in Furness and South Lakes had the highest levels of decay in the country, with 12 year olds in the two districts having an average number of decayed, missing or filled teeth of 1.6, compared to the national average of 0.8 percent.

Eric Rooney, a consultant in public dental health at NHS Cumbria, said that it was “great news” that the trust had been successful in bidding for additional funding. The extra cash injection will enable better access for children who have not seen a dentist for a long period of time. The money will also enable the trust to deliver better dental hygiene across the region.