Guernsey's school dentist service tested by survey

Mrs Lyle said the survey results would decide its future focus

A survey has begun to determine if Guernsey's current school dentist service is adequate.

A number of five-year-olds will be examined for decay to see if the number requiring dental care has changed.

In 2006, the States decided to give free dental care only to children who needed it and not provide it to all youngsters.

Sarah Lyle, deputy head of the service, said it was important those who needed it had access to dental health.

She said since 2006 regular surveys have been carried out and the latest figures show only one in five children aged five required treatment.

Mrs Lyle said: "We feel five years on would be a good time to investigate the levels of decay and see if they are still stable, or whether they've increased or gone down at all.

"Depending on the results will decide how we focus the service in the future."