Improving patient outcomes

The latest Adult Dental Health Survey1 concluded that, for those patients under 45 years of age, the likelihood of retaining a considerable number of healthy teeth throughout their long life is now very high. In particular, the prospects for young adults aged 16 to 24 look better than they have ever been. For those aged over 45 years of age, the legacy of treatment due to higher levels and extent of disease earlier in their life course, and differences in patterns of dental care, have resulted in fewer teeth and fewer sound teeth, but still with a better outlook than previous generations.

The survey also acknowledged that the importance of toothbrushing twice a day is a message that appears to have been taken on board by the majority of dentate adults; 75 per cent of adults claimed to brush their teeth at least twice a day. Dental teams in primary care have contributed positively to this message, with over three-quarters of adults recalling receiving advice from them.