Agenda item

Report and Presentation of the Director of Public Health, DCC.

The Board received a report and presentation from the Director of Public Health and Public Health Strategic Manager, Michelle Baldwin on the Oral Health Promotion Strategy (for copy see file of minutes).

The Public Health Strategic Manager gave information in respect of the context and key points, including in terms of those most vulnerable to poor oral health.  She gave information on key actions for children, adults and vulnerable groups.

Councillor R Bell noted the link to deprivation and poor oral health was evident and asked whether it was anticipated that cost of living pressures was having further impact on families who may not be able to prioritise purchasing dental products.  The Public Health Strategic Manager noted there was work with the Child Poverty Steering Group, noting that while the cost may only be £1 to £2, this was an issue for some families.  She explained as regards work with CDDFT in providing information and working within hubs to make every contact count, to help show what products were available and at what cost.  She added that information as regards food was also very important, with messaging as regards reducing the amount of sugar consumed.  Councillor R Bell agreed as regards messaging about sugary drinks and snacking in between meals.

Peter Sutton asked as regards access to Dentists and what percentage in County Durham did not have access.  The Public Health Strategic Manager noted she understood around 90 percent did not access NHS routine treatment, the Head of Integrated Commissioning noted that Healthwatch had undertaken research on the matter and a link could be circulated to the Board.  Peter Sutton asked if there was an NHS England target, the Head of Integrated Commissioning noted that the issue was delegated to ICBs.  The Director of Public Health noted that dental services were scrutinised via the Adult, Wellbeing and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee and noted the huge amount of work they had undertaken and added that the issue of fluoridation now sat with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care adding that County Durham could be one of the first consulted by the Secretary of State on fluoridation.

Councillor T Henderson noted finding an NHS Dentist was very difficult, especially in his local area, Barnard Castle, with no service at the Richardson Hospital and one practise within Barnard Castle, who was not taking on any NHS patients.  He noted the issues and travel required for those in rural communities and asked how we could help.  The Public Health Strategic Manager noted that she did not have details on that specifically, however, noted that it was recognised there were additional challenges for Public Health, the Board and partners.  She noted that the prevention agenda and promotion of oral health was very important and the impact of COVID on the issue was not yet understood.  Councillor T Henderson recalled that nurses had previously attended schools to speak to children and demonstrate how to brush their teeth. 

The Public Health Strategic Manager noted work by Health Visitors in this regards, to embed good practises with parents and carers before children reached school age.  She noted that there were packs for families that could not afford toothbrushes. 

The Head of Integrated Commissioning noted the information that had been shared at Adults, Wellbeing and Heath Overview and Scrutiny Committee in terms of statistics from NHS England and explained that there was work ongoing in terms of recruitment.  She noted that she agreed with the Public Health Strategic Manager in that prevention was key and to ensure that it was in the ICB delivery plan.

The Chair noted that dental disease in older people could contribute to problems with eating and weight loss and asked how we ensured that the oral health promotion strategy covered the whole life course.  The Public Health Strategic Manager noted that making every contact count was important and work with Public Health and colleagues to see at each opportunity oral health was promoted and early intervention was made.

Councillor R Bell noted keeping teeth clean was one element of oral health, however, another area was gum health and asked how both could be assured.  Martyn Stenton noted that the Children and Young People’s Service worked with families via the Family Hubs in this regard, and in terms of the Youth Justice System, where there was regular dental and optician checks for those in the system.  He noted that the issue could be one that highlighted a case of neglect, helping to identify safeguarding issues.  

The Director of Public Health noted that there were connections between strategies and sugar was an issue in maintaining a healthy weight and added that all elements to help prevent dental disease, such as work in respect of highlighting the issues associated with energy drinks, were important.  She added that links to oral health should be considered within other areas relating to health and it was important for the Health and Wellbeing Board to continue to support and highlight this.

Resolved:

(a)     That the content of the report be noted.

(b)     That the statutory requirements placed on the Local Authority and its partners is acknowledged.

(c)      That the implementation of the County Durham Oral Health promotion Strategy 2023-2028 be agreed.