Upcoming surveys to measure prevalence and severity of dental decay in three year olds

Upcoming surveys to measure prevalence and severity of dental decay in three year olds 30 October, 2012 Upcoming epidemiology surveys are set to measure the dental health of 3-year-olds in England. These surveys will improve knowledge about decay progression in pre-school years and inform planners about the timing and impact of interventions to meet the targets linked to the oral health of 5-year-olds, which are listed in the public health outcomes framework. The surveys will measure the prevalence and severity of dental decay in 3-year-old children attending child care institutions in each local authority to provide a baseline for comparison in subsequent years and, for some areas, establish a cohort for follow up. Chief Dental Officer Barry Cockcroft has written to directors of public health and dental public health and directors of children’s services to highlight the surveys. He is asking them to seek the support of relevant colleagues within their departments as well as of leads in all pre-school child care sites.