BDA Reiterates Opposition To Plans To X-ray Child Asylum Seekers

Main Category: Dentistry
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 20 Nov 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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The British Dental Association (BDA) has written to Home Office Minister for Immigration Liam Byrne to reiterate its opposition to proposals to x-ray unaccompanied child asylum seekers to determine their age. The letter comes ahead of an anticipated change to immigration rules on 1 December.

The BDA opposes such a change for two reasons. Firstly, the BDA believes that dental radiographs are an inaccurate method for assessing whether individuals have attained the age of 18 years. Secondly, the BDA believes it is inappropriate and unethical to take a radiograph of an individual when there is no direct health benefit to them.

Peter Ward, Chief Executive of the BDA, said:

"The BDA opposes the use of dental radiographs to determine whether asylum seekers have reached the age of 18. This method isn't accurate, appropriate or ethical. The BDA is gravely concerned by proposed changes to immigration rules to allow such practice."

The BDA previously voiced its concerns about a plan to use dental radiographs to establish the age of asylum seekers in a response to the Home Office consultation paper Planning Better Outcomes and Support for Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children in May this year.

Notes:

1. The Home Office consultation document, Planning Better Outcomes and Support for Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children, is available here. The BDA's submission of evidence is available at: here.

2. The British Dental Association (BDA) is the professional association for dentists in the UK. It represents over 20,000 dentists working in general practice, in community and hospital settings, in academia and research, and in the armed forces.

http://www.bda.org

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