22/05/25 – Impact of poor paediatric oral health on the life course (virtual meeting)

CPG on a Fit and Healthy Childhood - Documents and Links, CPG on a Fit and Healthy Childhood - Meeting Notes

Speakers: Urshla Devalia, British Society of Paediatric Dentistry; Zoe Marshman, University of Sheffield; Katie Perkins, Habox; Dr Sascha Colgan GP

22 May 2025

Cross-Party Group on a Fit and Healthy Childhood

‘Impact of poor paediatric oral health on the life course‘

Almost a quarter of 5 years olds in the UK have tooth decay and in 2023/4 19,381 children aged between 5-9 in England were admitted to hospital for dental surgery, with the cost of teeth extractions each year on average £50 million.

Poor oral health is associated with slow speech and language development, school attendance and poverty. It can also impact physical development, confidence and the ability to socialise. Studies have shown that poor oral health, begun and entrenched in the earliest years can depress health throughout the lifespan and is associated with serious diseases such as cardiovascular, diabetes, cancers and premature birth. Addressing and investing in early childhood dental health is a necessity.

Speakers

Urshla Devalia – British Society of Paediatric Dentistry – Consultant Paediatric Dentist

  • Consultant Paediatric Dentist, Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospital, UCLH
  • Consultant & Strategic Clinical Lead for Paediatric Dentistry, Community Dental Services – CIC, East of England
  • Regional Managed Clinical Network Lead for Paediatric Dentistry, NHSE- East of England
  • National Lead for Mini Mouth Care Matters
  • President-Elect BSPD
  • Fellow of The Institute of Leadership & Management

Zoe Marshman, Professor of Dental Public Health, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield

  • Professor Marshman’s main interest is child-centred research to improve the oral health and treatment experiences of children and their families. Zoe is co-lead of the National Institute for Health Research-funded BRUSH study to optimise the implementation of supervised toothbrushing programmes across England.

Katie Perkins – Habox CEO & Founder

  • Dr Katie Perkins is an NHS and private dentist, founder of Habox and a clinical educator with a special interest in prevention and paediatric oral health. Habox has recently evolved from a product-based brand to an educational and consultancy platform focused on evidence-based dentistry, community education and supporting dental professionals and parents to improve children’s oral health outcomes through early intervention and accessible knowledge.

Dr Sascha Colgan

  • Practising GP – BSc. (Hons), BM (Hons), MRCGP, DTM&H, MSc. TMIH
  • Published Author of ‘Bridging the gap’ – A survey of medical GPs’ awareness of child dental neglect as a marker of potential systemic child neglect – British Dental Journal