National Dental Inspection Programme

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The National Dental Inspection Programme was set up in 2002 following a review of existing schemes.  

Its main aims are:- 

  • to gather appropriate information in order to inform children (and parents/carers) of their dental/oral health status. 
  • through appropriately anonymised, combined data, advise the Scottish Government, Health Boards and other organisations concerned with children’s health of the oral disease prevalence in their area, for example Public Health Scotland and the Childsmile Programme. 

The inspection programme has two levels; a Basic Inspection (offered to all children in Primary 1 and Primary 7 annually) and a Detailed Inspection in Primary 1 and Primary 7 in alternating years (for a representative sample of these groups).  

Dental staff from the Public Dental Service also work with general dental services to ensure children with the greatest need – those with A letters – receive the treatment they need.