Sadiq Khan pledges to improve children’s oral health in London

London Health Inequalities StrategyThe London Mayor has pledged to improve children’s oral health in the capital with the London Health Inequalities Strategy.

The plan sets out the Mayor’s aims and objectives for addressing health inequalities in London.

In the strategy Sadiq Khan calls on the NHS, local authorities and Public Health England to improve access to dental care.

‘We’ve made our case to City Hall and welcome the aspirations set out in the Mayor of London’s Inequalities Strategy,’ BDA health and science chair, Russ Ladwa, said.

‘Tooth decay is a wholly preventable disease.

‘There is no reason why it remains the number one reason a child in this city will be admitted to hospital.’

Tackling inequalities

The London Health Inequalities Strategy has been published following a 12-week consultation with around 2,000 responses.

The strategy focuses on five areas:

  • Healthy children
  • Healthy minds
  • Healthy places
  • Healthy communities
  • Healthy living.

In particular for dentistry, Sadiq Khan focuses on groups and communities who currently experience access issues and poor oral health.

‘Today a baby born in Harrow is three times more likely to have tooth decay when they enter primary school as one born in Bexley,’ Russ continues.

‘We will not see progress until we close the capital’s oral health gap.

‘Families across London deserve better when it comes to access, education, and prevention.

‘It is now vital that the Mayor uses his influence to join these ambitions with action.’


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