Labour unveils £111million plan to introduce supervised toothbrushing in schools

6 October 2023, 09:56

Labour plan to introduce supervised toothbrushing in schools
Labour plan to introduce supervised toothbrushing in schools. Picture: Alamy

By StephenRigley

Labour has set out plans for supervised toothbrushing in schools as part of its policy to solve the problems in NHS dentistry.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Sir Keir Starmer's plans – set to cost £111million annually – would mean that teachers in areas with high tooth decay would need to supervise the morning dental care for pupils aged three to five.

Critics however have suggested the measures were an improper use of time for teachers, many of whom are already considering leaving the profession due to burnout and high workloads.

Ministers also suggested the proposals were unfunded and required more government borrowing.

Keir Starmer
Keir Starmer. Picture: Alamy

Read More: Sir Keir Starmer hails 'seismic result' as Labour wins Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election

Read More: Labour can't commit to reversing HS2 cancellation, Keir Starmer says, after Sunak takes 'wrecking ball' to finances

The chief of the National Association of Headteachers last night told Sir Keir it was not the role of teachers to supervise dental care.

General secretary Paul Whiteman said: "This week we have seen guidance on mobile phones from Government and a new dentistry duty from the Opposition.

"This is not the response needed to solve the crises in school. We have serious reservations about how such a policy could work. It is not the role of teachers to be making sure children brush their teeth each day. We should demand more than window dressing from all of our politicians."

In 2012/22, figures show that 42,000 children went to hospital to have teeth removed, 26,700 of whom had tooth decay as their main diagnosis, while tooth decay is the most common reason for children aged six to ten to be admitted to hospital.

Children living in the most deprived areas are three times more likely to have rotting teeth than those in the least deprived areas.

Labour's plans included funding NHS dental practices to provide 700,000 more urgent appointments for procedures such as root canals and fillings, and the eradication of 'dental deserts' in rural areas.

The party says it would be funded by abolishing the non-dom tax status, which would reportedly raise an extra £3.2billion.

Sir Keir said: "People are finding it impossible to get an NHS dentist when they need one. My Labour government will not stand for millions of people being denied basic healthcare."

But health minister Neil O'Brien said: "Labour's sums do not add up. They are taking people for fools.'Keir Starmer's shadow health secretary admitted their policy would not raise enough to carry out Labour's NHS plans. Labour will always take the easy way out with more borrowing and spending."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Government’s early release scheme 'put pressure' on UK probation service

Government’s early release scheme 'put pressure' on probation service - as inspectors reveal 'chaotic state' of one unit

King Charles attending the Royal Film Performance and Global Premiere of "Gladiator II"

King Charles walks red carpet alone as he appears without Queen Camilla at Gladiator II premiere

Focused businessman working at laptop in highrise office, London, UK

Civil servants call for four-day week, saying move is 'critical to attaining a good quality of life'

ed

Fireworks linked to death of baby red panda who died from 'stress' on Bonfire Night

Guests Appear On The Laura Keunssberg Show

Chancellor to merge council pension pots into 'megafunds' to unlock investment cash

President Joe Biden meets with President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump and Biden 'both really enjoyed seeing each other', claims President-elect after historic meeting at White House

Louise Thompson

Made in Chelsea star Louise Thompson breaks silence following emergency surgery after septic shock

President Trump Speaks at America First Agenda Summit

Who has Trump picked to be in his cabinet so far and who is in the running?

The Sun's Who Cares Wins Awards 2021 - Red Carpet Arrivals

Rod Stewart say he 'may have to find new owners' for his five sports cars due to potholes near his home

Council tax bills will soar by more than £100 next year Downing Street confirms

Council tax bills to soar by more than £100 next year Downing Street confirms

Producer and songwriter Quincy Jones has died at the age of 91

Quincy Jones cause of death revealed following music titan's death aged 91

Cresta Court Hotel in Altrincham

Moment locals explode in fury as they are told migrants will get 'free private healthcare' at public meeting

Police tape surrounds a ride at the Funderpark in Yiewsley, London

Mum-of-eight hurled from fairground ride and sent into coma agrees to £1.43m settlement after High Court battle with owner

Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump Holds Election Night Event In West Palm Beach

Donald Trump's grip on power tightens as Republican Party wins majority of seats in House of Representatives

Two women - who were part of a global monkey torture network - have been jailed

Two women jailed after being part of 'sickening and sadistic' monkey torture network

Wes Streeting

Health Secretary Wes Streeting orders staff to look into costs of introducing assisted dying