Taking care of your smile
In response to huge issues in trying to find an NHS dentist, we improved access to NHS dentists for children and young people while raising awareness of oral health.
Children and young people's oral health report
Published 18 March 2025
Written by the Healthwatch team
If you would like the report in another format, please contact us on 0113 898 0035 or email the team at info@healthwatchleeds.co.uk
Healthwatch Leeds has been listening to children and families about their experiences with NHS dentists. Through our ‘Take Care of Your Smile’ project, we heard from young people, parents, and dental staff about the problems they face when trying to get dental care.
We shared what we found with key decision-makers, leading to real changes to help children and young people in Leeds and West Yorkshire get better access to NHS dentists.
YouthWatch volunteers heard feedback on dental services from 248 children and young people and 352 parents and carers.
As a result of our findings:
- Leeds City Council Public Health secured funding to provide oral health training to community members as part of the Community Champions Programme, in response to local needs.
- £6.5 million in funding has been put in to improving children and young people’s access to dentists and dental hygiene with additional dental sessions in high-need areas. An additional £100,000 was invested in oral health programmes.
We are continuing to champion people’s voices at the West Yorkshire Children and Young People’s Oral Health Board and to influence their strategy.
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Highlights
We found a lack of knowledge about taking care of your oral health, so in addition, we provided education in schools and youth groups.
Three schools within the East Leeds area reported a negative impact on their children’s wellbeing due to poor oral health, increasing school absences.
language barriers stopping access to treatment. Where translators were not provided, appointments were cancelled.
a need for increased oral health promotion, particularly for those from low-income households and families newly arrived in the UK.
challenges faced by neurodiverse children where dentists are not well trained in communication.
What Happens Next?
We will keep working with West Yorkshire ICB, dentists, and local councils to make sure these changes really help children and young people. We will also continue listening to families to understand what needs to be improved next.
Read the Full Report
Want to know more about what we found and what’s changing in your area?
Need an NHS Dentist?
Looking for an NHS dentist in Leeds? Visit our Find an NHS Dentist page for the latest information.