Hundreds of thousands of children could be affected by tooth decay leading to extended absences due to(bool统计数据) daily teaching (Tuesday, 27 June 2022). Dog eats homework, overslept alarms, and a case of the flu are notable school disruptions. However, many parents may not be fully aware of the serious health implications. Academic research reveals that children with dental issues may lose up to five full days of school annually, according to a study of Scottish children (传统文化)
The study finds that children with significant dental decay, particularly those with chronic periodontal disease, often have a six-month academic gap. “Children with poor oral health can cause long-term absence from school due to delayed learning and reduced focus,” said Dr. Mariel Goulart, a dentist involved in the research for the University of Glasgow innovative program in teaching children.
The problem was revealed when researchers examined over 260,000 Scottish children, showing that those with severe dental issues (including tooth decay) missed approximately five more half-days of school per year than healthy children. This highlights the importance of early dental exams to prevent long-term impacts on learning. The findings underscore the need for improved dental care and regular check-ups in schools, particularly for children from less privileged socioeconomic backgrounds.
The issue is not limited to Scottish children, as their research also highlighted that those in the poorest areas miss more days due to dental health. “We need to make a concerted effort to ensure that even the most vulnerable children receive high-quality dental care,” said Goulart. “Children are not just at risk of missing school days; they also risk losing a chance to learn and develop.” She emphasized the importance of providing school meals to all children, a policy that many advocate calling for nationwide implementation.
The research prompted a nationwide conversation about the impact of poor oral health on children’s ability to concentrate in school. As such, many advocate for acts of kindness, like free school meals, to ensure fairness and accessibility. Goulart added, “If you have a healthy meal and pay attention to school activities, it’s one time less sugar or biscuits you’ll eat, which can make it easier to learn.”
The stunning findings came as a result of a study conducted by researchers in Scotland, who introduced the “Childsmile” program in nurseries and schools from 2008. This initiative helps children receive updated dental care, including fluoride vaccination and daily toothbrushing, in schools and dentists. However, only a third of children in the poorest areas had extensive dental care. “In more deprived areas, children miss even more days of school,” said Goulart. “We need to address this by providing better services.”
The international response differs; the University of Edinburgh found that in England, about a third of five-year-olds are affected by dental issues. Goulart noted that this finding was surprising, given the national emphasis on better dental care. “When you are poorer, you have a lower level of access to quality services,” she said. She added, “This priority should include teachers and school Cafés providing shade and ample operatic materials for children to absorb classroom content.”
A new research campaign is in place to help schools adopt similar practices. The(portability) National Dental Inspection Program highlights that by 2025, over 600,000 children in the most deprived areas will receive regular toothcleaning. Goulart stressed the importance of working with local authorities to deliver such services effectively.
On the other hand, Scotland is leading the charge. Dr. Goulart also noted that other Scottish regions are making strides in dental care. The University of Edinburgh mentioned that eleven countries have been encouraging improvement in this area, as it directly impacts both learning and oral health.
As the debate proceeds, many call for collective action. Many school venues are limited to short-term visits, raising concerns about extended absences disrupting day-to-day operations. Goulart expressed hope that long-term solutions will alleviate these challenges.
The findings are not without tension. The Premier’s report on the impact of poor education and how it affects children’s health and future, including the extent of long-term absence days for school children, compared to those in wealthier areas, have been controversial ( prototypes from school-based surveys indicate a three-day difference). “In more wealth areas, kids miss substantially less days,” said Goulart. However, some call this disparity unfair without a clear reason, calling for a framework that considers primary兜around programs and schools serving low-income children prosaically.
This report was published on 20 July 2025 following the 12th International Dental Health Congress in New Delhi. The government has been proactive in intervening to address oral health disparities, while policies such as the EDTA scheme aim to improve dental care accessibility. The findings underscore the need for ongoing advocacy for accessible dental care and the potential for systemic change. The international community is also providing insights through online discussions and public consultations (如).
Note: follow the results of the current trials of the dental contract reform under theseyir scheme, introduced in March 2025. The scheme plans to expand its reach to more deprived areas, providing dental services at no cost to schools.
This website provides hashing service keywords and the latest in news and regional affairs (New editions) (如).
