Oral Health Promotion
NHS Grampian is committed to promoting good oral health practice and is currently running several projects aimed at improving the oral health of children in Grampian.
Childsmile
Childsmile is a national programme to improve children's oral health and tackle oral health inequalities. The programme is entering its interim phase (2009-2011) during which an integrated programme will be implemented across Scotland.
There are four elements to the Childsmile programme:
Childsmile Practice
Childsmile Practice promotes oral health from birth, particularly amongst people living in priority areas. Parents of newborn children who are assessed to be at risk of developing tooth decay are referred to the programme by their Health Visitor. These families are given advice by Dental Support Workers and are given free toothbrushes, toothpaste and drinking cups. Older children can be provided with additional preventive care such as Fluoride varnish and fissure sealants.
Childsmile Nursery and Childsmile School
This section of the programme targets Nursery and Primary schools in the areas of greatest need. Childsmile teams will visit these schools twice a year to apply fluoride varnish and to deliver oral health promotion and health education advice to the children.
Childsmile Core and Toothbrushing Distribution Programme
The Scottish Executive has set a target for all health boards to have 100% of nurseries offering daily toothbrushing to all nursery children. Grampian is well on its way to this target. Nearly 89% of all nurseries and around 15 000 children in Grampian now brush their teeth in school every day.
If you are interested in finding out more about Childsmile, please contact Kim Fraser, Childsmile Programme Manager on 01224 558628 or email
kimfraser@nhs.net. For information about the implementation of Childsmile in Grampian, please read the
NHS Grampian Childsmile Briefing Paper. To read more about good oral health practice for babies and children up to the age of five, please see the
First Teeth, Healthy Teeth paper, produced by NHS Health Scotland.
Teeth TLC
Teeth TLC is NHS Grampian's exciting new oral health campaign which has been developed to educate the public and support the professional, providing them with the key information they need to attain and promote good oral health. Launched on the 26th of May, Teeth TLC provides a range of resources including posters, postcards and a website which features additional downloadables such as lesson plans, games and activities. There are specific sections for individuals, parents and carers, professionals, nurseries, schools, workplaces and help to find a dentist.
So what are you waiting for - visit www.teethtlc.com and give your teeth some tender loving care today!
For further information contact nhsg.teethtlc@nhs.net
School Oral Health Project
NHS Grampian's School Oral Health Project ensures a whole school approach to improving oral health. Oral health workshops, promoting good oral hygiene and healthy eating for teeth, are delivered to P4-7's in school's identified as having the poorest oral health. The children then develop workshops that cascade the messages to all younger classes, community groups and parents. If you would like further information please use contact details below:
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Oral Health Improvement Coordinator |
Mrs Karen Tosh |
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Oral Health Improvement Advisor |
Miss Katie Cunningham |
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