Children's dental health
Councils are addressing low children's dental access rates and health inequalities across North West London.
In November 2025, a report to the North West London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee highlighted Harrow has the fifth lowest rate of dental access for children in North West London. This report was prompted by increasing concerns regarding the accessibility, equity, and effectiveness of children's dental services, alongside rising oral health inequalities.
The committee also discussed that Colville Ward in Kensington and Chelsea recorded the third lowest rate of children accessing dental care in North West London ICB in 2022/23, at 33.4%. Targeted initiatives are planned to boost dental services for children and young people in the ward, as reported in September 2025.
These discussions reflect ongoing concerns about the oral health and dental care of children and young people, particularly in the context of post-pandemic recovery and the evolving commissioning landscape under Integrated Care System arrangements.
Key facts
- Harrow had the fifth lowest rate of children's dental access in North West London, reported in November 2025. Source
- Colville Ward, Kensington and Chelsea, had 33.4% of children accessing dental care in 2022/23. Source
- Colville Ward ranked third lowest for children's dental access in North West London ICB. Source
- The North West London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed children's dental health in November 2025. Source
- The North West London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed children's dental health in September 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 1 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.