Shetland has highest proportion of P1 children with no obvious dental decay in Scotland

NATIONAL figures show that Shetland has the highest proportion of primary one children with no obvious dental decay in Scotland.

The latest National Dental Inspection Programme (NDIP) results for the 2025/26 school year show that 90 per cent of P1 children in Shetland had no obvious decay experience, which is the highest proportion recorded anywhere in Scotland. This compares with a Scottish average of 76 per cent.

The NDIP examines the dental health of children across Scotland. In 2026, the detailed inspection focused on P1 children, typically aged four to six, allowing results to be compared across NHS board areas.

It is said that the programme also plays a vital role in informing parents and guardians about their child’s oral health, monitoring dental health trends among children in Scotland and assessing the impact of the Childsmile national oral health improvement programme.

The results also show an improving picture across Scotland.

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The average number of decayed, missing or filled primary teeth also fell to 0.92, the lowest level ever recorded nationally.

The results are particularly significant because tooth decay remains one of the most common preventable childhood diseases.

Substantial inequalities in children’s dental health also remain nationally, with 62 per cent of children from Scotland’s most deprived areas having no obvious decay experience, compared with 87.3 per cent in the least deprived areas.

NHS Shetland said the local result reflects the “combined efforts of children and families, schools and nurseries, dental teams and wider partners working to support good oral health from the earliest years”.

Supporting toothbrushing, healthy diets, regular contact with dental services and early identification of problems all contribute towards establishing good oral health for life.

NHS Shetland’s director of dentistry Antony Visocchi said: “This is a fantastic result for Shetland and something our whole community can be proud of. To have the highest proportion of primary one children in Scotland with no obvious experience of dental decay is a significant achievement.

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“Good oral health in children doesn’t happen by accident. It reflects the fabulous engagement and efforts of parents and carers at home, our children themselves, schools and nurseries, and the wonderful commitment and enthusiasm of our dental team in providing effective prevention advice.

“While we should celebrate this result, our focus will remain on making sure every child in Shetland has the opportunity to enjoy good oral health. Dental decay is largely preventable, and we want to build on this success so that today’s children carry these benefits with them into adulthood.”