Dentists join classroom to give lessons in tooth care at primary schools

CHILDREN across all 325 primary schools in mid and south Essex are getting more than just maths and English on the timetable - they are now learning vital lessons in dental care, thanks to a new NHS-backed initiative bringing dentists into the classroom.

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In a move to tackle tooth decay, the number one reason children aged five to nine are admitted to hospitals in Essex, dental practices are partnering with schools to deliver oral health education, carry out in-school dental checks and offer access to NHS treatment for children and their families.

NHS Mid and South Essex has launched the initiative to provide early intervention and better access to dental care and oral health education to children and families, helping them to build healthy oral habits from an early age.

A national survey of five-year-old school children in 2024 reported 26.9 per cent of children nationally, and 16 per cent of children in mid and south Essex, had enamel or dentinal decay.

The oral health checks being carried out in primary schools will identify pupils who need further dental assessment or treatment.

As part of the initiative, the pupils, their siblings and parents will have access to appointments at a local dental practice assigned to the school, if they do not already have a regular dentist, to ensure they can get the care they need.