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Top Tips
for Providers
Our BRUSH research with oral health teams and early years settings has identified some top tips to help supervised toothbrushing programmes run smoothly. Here are some of our top tips:
Open Communication
Transparent discussions with the setting are key to understanding their context and needs to provide the required support for running supervised toothbrushing. There are lots of ‘myths’ about what supervised toothbrushing involves and early years staff may have questions about how they can best fit it into their already packed schedule. A termly newsletter may help keep settings updated and engaged.
Identify Other Early Years Programmes
For consistent messaging and improved engagement try to link the supervised toothbrushing programme with other local initiatives, such as family hubs, health visitors, baby and toddler playgroups, etc.
Local Dental Data
In addition to showcasing national dental data, using local data on levels of dental decay is a good way to highlight to settings the need for a supervised toothbrushing programme.
Consider Language Barriers
Identify any existing language barriers with families and provide information in different languages to be more inclusive.
Consider Cultural barriers
Identify any potential cultural barriers such as concerns about toothpaste ingredients containing animal derivatives and address these concerns in the information for parents to help improve participation rates.
Ordering and delivering supplies
Consider the appropriateness, cost-effectiveness and sustainability when deciding on how to order and deliver supplies to settings. Agree with the setting how much notice you need to be given if they require more stock.
On-going support
Having a good relationship with the setting goes a long way and can help with sustaining the supervised toothbrushing programme. It is important that settings are able to contact someone for advice and support. Consider setting up a generic email address, (rather than a personal one for permanence) that they can contact you on if needed.
Oral health in the curriculum
Early-years settings are required to fulfil national curricula. Oral health activities fit well into the curricula. Settings will appreciate if you highlight this and are able to suggest fun and engaging learning activities that relate to the curriculum.
Oral health champion
There is a benefit for settings in appointing their own oral health champion. They can aid in cascading information and training to the rest of the staff. They can also be your established point of contact. Remember to also put in place contingency plans in case staff are absent or leave the setting.
An example job specification can be found here.
Oral health
award scheme
Consider setting up an award scheme to encourage continued delivery of good oral health education in the setting or combine oral health with any healthy early years award schemes that already exist. Here is an example of a successful award scheme: smile4life.
