Information for Providers

Use local authority data (education and public health) to identify suitable settings.

Contact settings (e.g., via a joint letter from the Director of Public Health and the provider).

Record and respond to setting refusals.

Identify any existing supervised toothbrushing or oral health initiatives in the area to avoid overlap.

Clarify roles and responsibilities, including any outsourced services.

Ensure all activities align with the service specification.

Complete a financial model including:

• Staffing costs

• Projected number of settings and children

• Mobilisation costs

• Supply distribution strategies

Determine how toothbrushes, racks, and toothpaste will be sourced and delivered.

Consider bulk ordering and phased delivery to reduce costs and storage needs.

Ensure supplies meet dietary and allergy requirements (e.g., gluten-free, free of animal derivatives).

Offer sustainable options, such as recycling or fewer delivery trips.

Decide on the mode of training: in-person, virtual, or blended.

Ensure infection prevention and control training is delivered by a qualified person.

Establish frequency of training and a method to assess training effectiveness.

Ensure inclusive delivery for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) by providing adapted equipment (e.g., flavourless toothpaste, suitable brushes), tailored staff training on how to accommodate children with additional needs, and planning for extra supervision and support within programme resources. More information on supporting children with SEND, particularly autism can be found here; CHILDREN WITH SEND | BRUSH Toolkit.

Provide clear information and consent leaflets to parents, ensuring inclusivity (e.g., languages, literacy, internet access).

Plan timing of parental communication to align with school admissions or onboarding.

Promote at-home brushing during holidays (e.g., via toothbrushing packs).

Engage parents (e.g., through oral health workshops). Other suggestions for raising awareness and engaging with the community and parents can be found here.

Work with settings to choose appropriate brushing methods (dry or wet).

Decide where and when brushing will take place (e.g., at tables vs. on carpet, morning vs. afternoon).

Account for age groups (e.g., 2-year-olds may require extra consideration), and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Appoint oral health champions within settings.

Offer ongoing support to settings.

Provide a general oral health email contact for continuity.

Ensure access to a dental professional if advice is needed.

Establish governance procedures covering:

• GDPR compliance

• Infection prevention and control

• Safeguarding policies and updates

Review policies regularly and maintain up-to-date procedures.

Agree on a contract and performance monitoring plan with commissioners.

Collect data such as:

• Consent rates

• Frequency and duration of brushing

• Participation by IMD quintiles

Include quality assurance audits and narrative reflections on challenges.

Evaluate long-term impact where possible.

Develop a backup plan to ensure service continuity in case of disruptions.