Decay figures 'at 10-year low'

MORE than two out of five children in the North-east have signs of tooth decay before they start school, it was revealed today.

New Scottish Government figures showed 41.4% of children under five years in the area had dental disease.

But the figures were welcomed by health bosses who said they were at their lowest rate in 10 years.

The NHS in the Borders had the lowest rate in Scotland with 29.2% and Lanarkshire was highest with 47.8%.

Today, bosses at NHS Grampian said they were "delighted" with the improvement in the North-east and defended their efforts to provide dentists for children.

There are 32,000 people on the waiting list for an NHS dentist - but all registered children are guaranteed to be seen within two weeks.

A spokeswoman said 97.5% of city children aged three to five now had an NHS dentist.

She said: "We are delighted our performance in dentistry is improving year on year.

"We are continuing to expand preventative programmes and more than 14,000 children are now brushing their teeth daily in nurseries and schools.

"No children are on a dental waiting list - they will get an appointment within a fortnight.

"All oral health improvement targets set by the Scottish Government have been achieved."

One North-east dad today welcomed the moves to give children access to an NHS dentist.

Taxi driver Darren Wilson, 36, waited almost a year to get his nine-year-old daughter, Megan, registered with the NHS.

During that time, the Portlethen family had to shell out £320 to have a broken tooth repaired privately.

Mr Wilson said: "It makes a difference - you shouldn't have to be paying out hundreds of pounds."

(From DentistryIQ )