What needs to be done and why?
Strategic Issue 1
What needs to be done
Improvements to access to NHS Dental services, particularly in areas of high deprivation (a key risk factor for poor oral health). Education on early recognition of symptoms that require treatment to residents. Working with Dental services in the area to improve access.
Why
- There has been a recent rise in dental decay among 5-year-olds since 2018/19 and the rate of hospital admissions for dental caries among 0–5-year-olds has plateaued (although remains lower than the region and England).A consistent rate since 2019/20 may mask unmet need or access barriers.
- Current Public Health services follow multiple recommendations made by Public Health England. Therefore, the gap may lie with difficulties in accessing NHS dental services, an issue which has been raised by residents.
- The Oral Health Promotion Service delivers a toothbrushing programme to Early Years settings and primary schools; provides workforce training for health visitors, school nurses, family support workers, and in residential and care settings expanding on this programme may support more children and families with dental care
- Tooth decay is driven by many factors, including poor diet and toothbrushing habits, and there is strong association with deprivation. A targeted fluoride varnish programme may further help to mitigate against these drivers of poor oral health in children in Hartlepool.
Strategic Issue 2
What needs to be done
Targeted cancer prevention and early detection of Oral Cancers through education on regular checkups, risk factors and recognition of symptoms.
Why
- Significantly higher and erratic oral cancer registration and mortality rates point to late diagnosis, poor access to dental services and potentially higher risk behaviours. Targeted cancer prevention in areas of high risk and
- OHID guidance encourages early detection through regular dental checkups and awareness of symptoms.
Strategic Issue 3
What needs to be done
Intervention to improve health literacy in relation to lifestyle risk factors of oral health (e.g. smoking and poor diet) through community-based education and outreach, particularly in schools and family hubs. The development of existing Family Hubs services and a multi-faceted approach to lifestyle changes will improve not only oral health but other preventable health conditions.
Why
- There are high rates of smoking and obesity in comparison to the region. High obesity rates are often associated with high sugar consumption which contributes to poor oral health.
- Poor health literacy can limit access to preventative care and understanding of the importance of early intervention.
- Public Health England recommend community-based education and outreach to improve health literacy and engagement. The NHS Health Literacy Toolkit supports behaviour change (e.g. smoking cessation and healthy eating) by empowering communities to take control of their health.