Childsmile programme is expanded to reach poorest children

Oral health initiative rolled out among some of Scotland’s most deprived communities

19 September, 2017 / infocus
 

The hugely successful Childsmile oral heath programme is being extended to reach more children from deprived areas.

The Scottish Government’s Fairer Scotland Action Plan, which was published in October last year, included commitments to extend the coverage  of the programme to reach more of the nation’s poorest children.

At the launch of the expansion, at Annette Street Primary School in Govanhill, Glasgow, Scotland’s Chief Dental Officer Margie Taylor said: “We are very proud of the Childsmile programme and the difference it is making to oral health for children across Scotland – fewer children are requiring treatments such as extractions, fillings and general anaesthetics.

“I was really pleased to visit Annette Street and see the pupils taking pride in their oral hygiene. Picking up good habits at a young age means less tooth decay, which in turn means less toothache, fewer sleepless nights and less time off school. Not to mention these good habits will last a lifetime.”

Health Secretary Shona Robison said: “The Childsmile programme, with its emphasis on prevention,
rather than treatment has resulted in significant improvements in children’s oral health across Scotland. Our aim is that every child has access to Childsmile.

“Reducing inequalities in health is critical to achieving the Scottish Government’s aim of making Scotland a better, healthier place for everyone, no matter where they live – and the expansion of Childsmile, through our Fairer Scotland Action Plan, provides a good illustration of this in practice.”

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