Information for Commissioners

• Hold discussions within the commissioning organisation to determine the need for a supervised toothbrushing programme.

• Identify and secure funding, including from government sources.

• Gain high-level support from key stakeholders such as:

  • Local Authority Directors of Public Health

  • OHID Regional Directors of Public Health

  • Integrated Care Boards

• Consult with the local consultant in dental public health to ensure alignment with other oral health initiatives.

• Develop and approve a business case for the programme.

• Identify a lead for procurement early to guide the process and advise on:

  • Required documentation (e.g. Equality Impact Assessment)

  • Whether a tendering process is necessary

• Create a clear timeline:

  • Tender publication date

  • Contract award

  • Mobilisation period

  • Brushing start date

• Consider including a funded mobilisation period to allow providers to set up in new settings.

Include detailed elements such as:

Programme Scope

• Specify number of settings or target areas (e.g. most deprived 20%)

• Consider starting small and scaling up

Funding

• Align funding with the programme’s size and duration

• Include mobilisation costs (e.g. supplies, training time, staff travel)

• Clarify payment schedule and frequency

Setting Identification

• Define who is responsible (commissioners or providers)

• Use clear criteria for eligible settings

• Be aware of other local oral health initiatives to avoid duplication

Training

• Define who delivers and monitors training

• Outline delivery methods (e.g. virtual, face-to-face)

• Specify trainer qualifications

Consent and Safeguarding

• Decide how consent will be obtained (usually opt-in)

• Plan timing of consent communications to maximise returns

• Clarify safeguarding responsibilities

Supplies

• Specify responsibility for purchase and distribution of materials (e.g. toothpaste, brushes)

• Clarify arrangements for storage and logistics if using external suppliers like Colgate

Monitoring

• Outline performance monitoring plans, including:

  • Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

  • Responsibilities for monitoring setting staff training

• Ensure timely payments to providers

• Provide a dedicated contact point (e.g. generic email) for continuity

• Monitor the programme with a focus on:

  • GDPR compliance

  • Updated policies (e.g. infection control)

  • Safeguarding procedures

Evaluate both implementation and outcomes using:

Implementation Monitoring

• Termly reports on:

  • Number of settings and children participating

  • Training provided

  • Frequency of brushing

  • Engagement efforts with non-participating settings

Short & Medium-Term Outcomes

• Gather feedback from:

  • Early years/school staff

  • Parents/carers

  • Other stakeholders (e.g. oral health teams, family hubs)

Long-Term Outcomes

• Use available data where possible (e.g. national oral health surveys, hospital admissions for dental GA)

• Recognise limitations:

  • Time lag (24–36 months for impact)

  • Sample sizes

  • Data quality issues

Track and report on indicators such as:

Coverage & Participation

• Number of eligible settings and children

• Number and percentage of participants

• IMD breakdown of participating groups

• Number of trained staff

Quality Assurance

• Number and method of audits

• Number of suspended settings and reasons

Reflections & Challenges

• Document feedback and mitigation actions

• Engage local authorities to access accurate data on eligible settings and children