13.03.13
More tooth decay among poorest people
Hospital admissions for tooth decay are highest in the most deprived areas of England, new figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC).
Almost a fifth of admissions were from the most deprived 10% of the population, with those from the least deprived 10% accounting for only 4% of total admissions for tooth decay.
London SHA had the highest rate of admissions for dental procedures, while East of England SHA had the lowest. There were approximately 2,400 fewer admissions this year than in the previous 12 months.
HSCIC chief executive Tim Straughan said: “Today’s figures show a correlation between rates of hospital dental procedures caused by tooth decay and the patient’s level of deprivation.
“Today’s report has implications for the public’s dental health and for hospital trusts in England that perform dental services, in particular those that serve England’s most deprived areas.”
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