Over the last ten years All Saints’ Church of England Primary School has been committed to combating tooth decay in children by participating in the Building Brighter Smiles, Tooth Brushing Programme.  This is delivered throughout the Bradford and Airedale district by Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, Community Dental Service.

In recognition of the schools commitment to the Building Brighter Smiles Programme, the Trust presented the school with a Long Service Award during an official ceremony, which took place on 15 December 2015.

Commenting on the schools achievement and oral health programme; Sharon Walker, Senior Oral Health Promotion Team Leader said: “All Saints’ Church of England Primary School is passionate and committed in supporting their parents, carers and children in engaging in good oral health practices. This is clearly demonstrated by the school participating in the programme for over 10 years, which is a fantastic achievement.  By the school accessing this type of programme and the support we offer, children have the potential to be free from tooth decay. The activities create good habits for life and build stronger foundations for good oral health.”

“We do offer a wide range of oral health improvement activities as part of our Building Brighter Smiles Programme. These range from fluoride varnish applications, advice on how to brush babies’ teeth, healthy eating for pre-school aged children and tooth brushing support in primary schools to compliment this activity at home.’’

The Trust’s Dental Team is working together with other partner organisations across the district to help improve the oral  health of youngsters. For any significant change in oral health of 5 year old children, oral health improvement programmes need to be in place from birth to 5 years of age. The Building Brighter Smiles Programme focuses on improving young children’s oral health and places an emphasis on disease prevention from birth up to 5 years.

Mariea Bowers, Assistant Head Teacher, All Saints’ Church of England Primary School said: “We, at All Saints’ Church of England Primary School are delighted with our participative tooth brushing award. We are a ‘united caring community of learners’, and as such we support our parents and carers in giving our children the best start in life.

“Our aim is to prevent our most vulnerable children from suffering from the pain and trauma of tooth decay which ultimately leads to days absence.  This is why we engage in supervising our children in the tooth brushing programme, supported by the Community Dental Service.

“Children in our Reception and Year One classes regularly brush their teeth after lunch, engaging in good oral hygiene practice. We believe that this early intervention makes all the difference. The proof is in our All Saints’ Smile!”

For further information on the Building Brighter Smiles Programme call: 01274 206708/202464 or email ohp@bdct.nhs.uk

ENDS