Dentist takespart in study

He said his practice treats lots of children - many from areas of high deprivation - and that the findings from the pioneering study will now be used to inform the development of future children’s dental health policy.

The trial aimed at improving children’s dental health - Northern Ireland Caries Prevention in Practice Trial (NIC-PIP) - is the largest ever practice-based randomised control trail to investigate the prevention of tooth decay in young children. Around 1,200 children aged 2- 3 years together with 88 dental practitioners working in community and high street dentistry are taking part. The trial will evaluate the use of fluoride varnish and fluoride toothpaste in preventing dental decay. The trial will follow and monitor the oral health of participants over a three year period.

Local dentist, Gerry Cleary, Bishop Street Dental Care, Londonderry, said: “As General Dental Practitioners working in the Western area, we treat a lot of children, many of whom live in areas of high deprivation.

“We are very pleased to be participating in this clinical trial and we hope that it hastens the day when children will never suffer from the preventable disease that is dental decay.”

Solveig Noble, NIC-PIP Clinical Lead and Clinical Director of Community Dental Services, Northern Health and Social Services Trust, outlined the significance of the trial in improving children’s dental health and reducing unnecessary suffering from tooth decay.

She said: “As community dentists, we see young children in pain from advanced tooth decay on a daily basis. At this stage the only option is dental extractions under general anaesthetic in hospital.

“This is extremely traumatic for the child and their parents and often leads to increased anxiety for future dental treatment.

“In 2010, 5,595 children attended the Community Dental Service for dental extractions under general anaesthetic. We are therefore delighted to be involved in this groundbreaking research as our service actively supports preventative measures that will lead to the reduction of tooth decay in young children.”