Four in 10 children do not visit dentist

Statistics from NHS Digital show that more than 40 per cent of children in England did not see a dentist last year.

Figures highlight that 6.7 million children went for a free dental check-up in the year to June, which is equivalent to 57.9 per cent of all under-18s in England. Health care guidelines recommend that all children see a dentist at least once a year.

More regional breakdowns indicate that only 48 per cent of children in London visited their dentist, compared with 62 per cent in the north of England.

The British Dental Association, who claim the figures are embarrassing, emphasise that regular dental check-ups were the key to preventing tooth decay in children and urged the government to invest in educating the public.

Henrik Overgaard-Nielsen, chair of general dental practice at the British Dental Association, said: "It's clear we have a problem when one in three children are missing out on free dental treatment.

"NHS dentistry has been left to fend for itself, without investment, a strategy, or any attempt at public education. These numbers are a national embarrassment, and will not budge until ministers change tack. We need a concerted effort to get parents, health professionals and government on the same page."