Devon children get their teeth into oral health

NHS Devon is funding vital oral health lessons for children in primary schools across Devon for the next three years to support them in learning good habits and help protect their teeth for the future.

Open Wide and Step Inside (OWSI) is an oral health programme delivered by the Dental Outreach Team at Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE).

Up until now the programme has only been available on a very limited basis to primary schools in Plymouth and Torbay.  However, funding from NHS Devon is now enabling the successful programme to reach out to all primary schools across the county.

The sessions are funded for all year two children (6-7 year olds) in primary schools, across Devon for the next three years for those primary schools who sign up to the programme.

Jonathan Bouwer-Davies, a local dentist and Clinical Dental Adviser forNHS Devon, said: “Understanding how to brush your teeth properly is an important life skill for children so programmes like this, which promote good oral health, are essential.

“This investment will help address health inequalities by supporting children to develop positive brushing habits, preventing tooth decay and reducing the need for hospital treatment.

The lesson includes a 15-minute animated film, a two-minute brushing song and a quiz for the children. The session has been designed to be fun but educational. It links into Key Stage 2 of the national curriculum and helps schools to promote health and wellbeing.

Robert Witton, Professor of Community Dentistry at the University of Plymouth and Chief Executive of PDSE said: “Putting prevention at the heart of our local communities is essential if we want children to grow up cavity free.

“This school-based programme is a win-win for children, their parents and the school”.

The programme is delivered by qualified oral health educators and dental nurses who deliver an interactive session at the end of the film to reinforce the key messages the children have learnt.

Each child receives a home pack containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, two-minute timer and information about oral health messages. They also get the OWSI story book, which will reinforce good habits at home and can continue long after the lesson ends.

Karen Burn, Oral Health Educator and PDSE Dental Outreach Team Lead said: “It is an exciting time to be able to launch this amazing programme across Devon.

“The feedback from the Plymouth schools who have been part of the programme previously has been amazing.

“Raising the importance of better oral health is our goal and this project has definitely achieved this.”