The launch of the pilot extension of the scheme at The Brier School on Friday

Successful scheme extended in fight against child tooth decay

Dudley Council is rolling out its successful community toothbrush scheme to young people with special educational needs in the fight against child tooth decay.

Over the last 18 months, the local authority’s oral health team has led Dudley’s Community Toothbrush Scheme by giving out more than 65,000 free toothbrush packs.

The packs include a specially adapted toothbrush and toothpaste, an information booklet for parents, a toothbrushing chart, a step by step guide and flashcards to encourage children to have better oral health.

As a result of the progress made with the campaign it is being extended to include some children with special educational needs (SEND).

Pilot schemes are planned for the Brier, Woodsetton & Pens Meadow schools and the Netherton Inclusion Hub.

A launch event was held on Friday last week at the Brier School.

Councillor James Clinton, cabinet member for public health, said:

“Good oral health is so important, and we’re building on our existing work as part of the wider community toothbrush scheme.

“Tooth decay still remains the most common cause of hospital admissions for children in England.

“We are working hard to try and combat that by giving as many children as possible access to toothbrushes, toothpaste and the information they need to prevent tooth decay.

“We believe this SEND specific roll-out is one of the first schemes in the region. If feedback is positive and funding can be secured, we will look to expand it to all special schools later in the year.”

Councillor David Stanley, cabinet member for children and young people, said:

“Since October 2023, we have given out nearly 70,000 packs to borough children in deprived and high tooth decay areas.

“By including our children and young people with SEND with the extension of the programme we hope to help families further still.

“Some children with SEND find brushing their teeth a difficult or stressful experience.

“The oral health team has done an excellent job working with children, parents, and professionals to find practical and appropriate ways to help young people with additional needs look after their teeth.”

Miss Rosie Hatton, senior assistant headteacher at The Brier School, said:

“We are truly honoured to have participated in this wonderful opportunity.

“Both the students and staff fully embraced the day, and our students were thrilled with the toothbrush packs.”

Contact Information

Dudley Council

pressoffice@dudley.gov.uk

Notes to editors

Notes to editors

The impact of poor oral health in children should not be underestimated. It can cause pain and infections, affecting children’s ability to sleep, eat, speak, learn, and play.

For many children with SEND, it can be a challenge to maintain good oral hygiene. Research shows children with additional needs are at risk of having a higher rate of tooth decay than their peers due to challenges with toothbrushing, visiting the dentist and eating a healthy balanced diet.

Dudley Council’s childrens public health team have created the toothbrush pack in partnership with local children from The Brier School, Woodsetton School, Pens Meadow School and Netherton Park Nursery’s Inclusion Hub, their parents, and many local professionals, including dental experts. The West Midlands Community Payback Scheme has also provided colourful, soft fabric pouches to hold the toothbrush pack contents for each child.

More information on the scheme: https://healthydudley.co.uk/dudleys-community-toothbrush-scheme/

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hospital-tooth-extractions-in-0-to-19-year-olds-2022/hospital-tooth-extractions-in-0-to-19-year-olds-2022