New data reveals that dentists in Buckinghamshire witnessed over 150 cases of tooth extractions in children with tooth decay in the year leading up to March. While the nationwide statistics for dental procedures were lower than pre-pandemic levels, the British Dental Association predicts that these figures may surpass pre-pandemic highs due to widespread difficulties in accessing dental care.
NHS Digital’s data indicates approximately 155 admissions for children requiring tooth removal in the former NHS Buckinghamshire CCG area, marking an increase from 75 admissions the previous year. It’s important to note that these numbers, rounded to the nearest five, do not necessarily represent individual patients, as a child might undergo multiple admissions within the specified period. Specific figures for fewer than eight admissions are withheld to protect patient confidentiality.
Despite being lower than the pre-pandemic year, when approximately 210 procedures occurred, the nationwide data reports 29,981 admissions across England in the year ending in March. This is 3,833 fewer than the 2019-20 period.
Eddie Crouch, Chairman of the BDA, emphasized that while national figures have decreased from pre-pandemic levels, it is not due to a lack of demand. In Buckinghamshire, a significant majority of extraction procedures (95) were performed on children aged five to nine, constituting 61% of the admissions.
