King's College London

A vital national survey

The AOHS 2023 is the first clinical survey of adult oral health in England since 2009. It offers timely and critically important insights for the public, dental teams, and policymakers, to inform the planning and delivery of oral health services as part of the NHS Long Term Plan, (3) to include a strong focus on prevention.

Key findings

• Good news: Very few adults are now without any natural teeth, and more people are retaining their teeth in later life.

• Reversal of gains: Despite this, oral diseases remain widespread, most notably tooth decay and gum disease. Tooth decay levels are higher than in 2009, reversing earlier improvements and returning to levels last seen in 1998.

• Dental services challenge: Fewer adults report attending regular dental check-ups, with many only seeking care when problems arise. Barriers include difficulty finding a dentist, affordability, and lack of perceived need.

• Stark inequalities: Adults in more deprived areas experience disproportionately higher levels of oral disease, pain, and poorer quality of life, yet are less likely to attend dental services regularly.

• Implications: The findings highlight the urgent need for a public health approach, investment in prevention, and collaborative action across policymakers, communities, and health professionals to promote oral health4 and facilitate access to dental care.

 

NOTES 

1. Adult oral health survey 2023 - GOV.UK

2. Consortium led by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) and includes dental academics with experience of oral epidemiology from the Department of Dentistry at the University of Birmingham, the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences at King’s College London, the School of Dental Sciences at Newcastle University, and the Dental Public Health Group at the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at University College London.

3. 10 Year Health Plan for England: fit for the future - GOV.UK

4. DBOHv4 Guidance on prevention Delivering better oral health: an evidence-based toolkit for prevention - GOV.UK

5. NICE Overview | Dental checks: intervals between oral health reviews | Guidance | NICE

 

King’s College London perspective

Professor Jenny Gallagher MBE, Newland-Pedley Professor of Oral Health Strategy, one of the lead academics from King’s, commented:

“I am delighted that the Department of Health & Social Care funded the 2023 Adult Oral Health Survey for England, the results of which are released today. This information is timely to assist in reforming health services as part of the NHS long-term plan for England and wider public policy. We face the public health challenges of poorer oral health, difficulties with access to dental care, and stark inequalities.

The good news is that most people can expect to keep some teeth for life. Whilst there are more teeth, there is sadly more disease present, and more treatment needed. The 2023 AOHS findings tell us that most adults (64%) have evidence of tooth decay – a largely preventable disease. And, worryingly, levels of tooth decay are worse than in 2009 and similar to those in 1998, so positive trends are reversing.”

Professor Gallagher emphasised the importance of self-care to prevent and reverse early disease, noting that while dental teams are well equipped with a strong evidence-base to advise and assist with prevention, (1) improved access to dental care and broader public health measures are also essential to make healthy choices easier and enhance health.

Public health message

Collaborative action is needed. Adults are encouraged to attend a dentist at least once every two years for a check-up, or more frequently if advised, in line with NICE guidance for care and advice. (2) Oral diseases such as tooth decay and gum disease are largely preventable through good daily self-care as advised by dental teams. Combined with wider public health action, this can help improve oral health across the population.

 

1. DBOHv4 Guidance on prevention Delivering better oral health: an evidence-based toolkit for prevention - GOV.UK

2. NICE Overview | Dental checks: intervals between oral health reviews | Guidance | NICE