According to new research carried out by the British Dental Health Foundation, three out of five parents admitted that they would most likely take their child to see the dentist during school hours. The study also revealed that only three in ten would make appointments during the school holidays and less than one in ten would go over the weekend – despite the fact that more dental practices are trying to make appointments available outside school hours, in an attempt to meet the needs of parents in Britain.
Dr Nigel Carter OBE, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, explained that there are a growing number of clinics that are taking the needs of parents with school-age children into consideration when scheduling their appointments. He added that ‘Later and weekend opening hours mean parents can take their children to the dentist without the need for skipping school attendance. The school holidays are also a great time to take your child for a check-up.’
Experts have long been pressing the issue of oral hygiene among the younger generation, suggesting that a dental appointment at least once a year is the best way to ensure good dental health – along with daily cleaning and tooth care. Dr Carter emphasised this point, explaining that ‘Early childhood experiences determine a child’s dental health needs for the rest of their lives.’