Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government when they will make full data available to enable measurement against the aim to improve oral health outcomes included within national dental contract reform; and what plans they have to support this aim by encouraging all English schools to become sugar free.

Data on oral health outcomes is available through the biennial National Dental Epidemiology Programme for England: oral health survey of 5-year-olds 2019: A report on the variations in prevalence and severity of dental decay, last published in March 2020, and the Adult Dental Health Survey 2009 – First Release, which is carried out every ten years. The latest survey was carried out in 2009. Copies of these surveys are attached. We are currently proceeding to fieldwork on the current adult survey.

The Government encourages all schools to promote healthy eating and provide healthy, tasty and nutritious food and drink. Compliance with the School Food Standards is mandatory for all maintained schools, including academies. The Standards restrict foods high in fat, salt and sugar, including high sugar foods and confectionery.