A £7.1million project to tackle poor dental hygiene in children could see schools paired up with dentists in the borough to ensure youngsters can access treatment. 

As part of a pilot, schools across south Essex would be linked to a nearby dentist practice so children can receive guidance and education on oral care, alongside receiving treatment at the linked practice. 

According to documents set to be discussed by the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board today, the “children and young people dental pilot” will run for three years across south Essex at a cost of £7.1million

Concern - Stock image of a child at the dentistConcern - Stock image of a child at the dentist (Image: Canva)

It comes after Southend Council revealed experts could be sent into primary schools to carry out a “supervised tooth brushing programme” as part of a £50,000 contract. 

Laurie Burton, councillor responsible for children, young people, and SEND at Southend Council, said: “The health and wellbeing of children is a top priority for the current Southend Council administration.

“We welcome this extra funding in child dental hygiene from the integrated care board.

“It is vital that all children get into good dental habits early in their life.

“It may seem like a big investment, but the money saved in the long term from expensive treatments is sure to outweigh the extra spend now.”

Laurie Burton, councillor responsible for children, young people, and SENDLaurie Burton, councillor responsible for children, young people, and SEND (Image: Newsquest)

The initiative covers all schools across South Essex and will provide educational sessions for young children, parents, carers, and school staff on maintaining good oral hygiene. 

Any necessary dental treatments for the children will be available at the linked dental practices.

According to Government figures, there were an estimated 55 total hospital admissions in Southend for children’s tooth extraction in the year to March 2023.

A key goal of the pilot is to prevent future dental issues and reduce long-term costs by promoting preventive care at an early age.

Although the pilot costs £7.1million, it is expected to generate significant savings over time by reducing the need for more complex dental treatments later in life.

Dental practices in the area are being encouraged to express interest in joining the pilot.