Adult Oral Health Survey 2023: 1. Key trends in oral health among adults in England (1978-2023)

The Adult Oral Health Survey 2023 (AOHS 2023) is the latest nationally representative survey of adult oral health in England. The first of six articles in this BDJ focussed issue, this paper provides an overview of the survey methodology and reports major trends in adult oral health, comparing findings with data from previous surveys. The AOHS 2023 was a cross-sectional survey representative of the general adult population aged 16 years and older in England. Data were collected between June 2023 and April 2024. The survey included 2,285 adults, of whom 1,619 also participated in an oral examination.

Since the last clinical survey carried out in 2009, edentulousness rates have fallen substantially, while the mean number of teeth and proportion of adults with a functional dentition have increased. However, untreated caries and oral impacts on quality of life have increased to levels last seen in 1998, reversing previous gains. At the same time, regular dental service access has declined and symptomatic attendance has increased to levels last observed in 1988. Despite the positive finding that English adults are keeping their teeth for longer, the data paint a concerning picture of declining oral health and increasing unmet treatment need over the past fourteen years. In addition to ensuring equitable service access, oral health strategies in England need to focus on prevention and integration of oral health within the wider public health agenda.