Scrap free toothbrushes and invest in NHS dentistry

Commenting on the publication of a report by the National Assembly’s Children and Young People’s Committee – which raises concerns over both tooth decay levels and the Welsh Government’s Designed to Smile scheme – Shadow Minister for Health Darren Millar AM said:

"The free toothbrushes handed out by the Welsh Government are an expensive gimmick that should be ended with immediate effect. The aim of these freebies was to cut down on tooth decay. We now know that simply isn’t working and decay remains the most common childhood disease.

"The Welsh Government is spending millions of pounds on this project and buying hundreds of thousands of toothbrushes. It’s clear that this public money should be spent in other areas of dentistry that would have a positive effect on children’s dental health.

"The Welsh NHS is facing the biggest cuts in its history. Money should not be squandered on failing schemes like this and parents, not ministers, should be responsible for buying toothbrushes for their children.

"I urge the health minister to look again at the failings of the Designed to Smile scheme, scrap free toothbrushes, and put public money into other areas that will properly reduce the rising problem of tooth decay in children."