Scottish Parliament

Shona Robison:
We are continuing to make progress to reduce oral health inequalities among children. Comparing the two years to September 2016 with the two years to September 2007, for example, there has been an increase of 36 per cent in the number of children in the most deprived areas attending their dentist.

We recognise, however, that more work needs to be done, and that is why I have decided to expand our flagship child smile programme. As is announced in the “Fairer Scotland Action Plan”, we will be expanding the programme to nursery and primary 1 and 2 children in the most deprived 20 per cent of areas across Scotland. The programme provides additional oral health interventions, such as fluoride varnish application, for children from the most deprived areas. I think that will help to make a real difference.