Children across all 325 primary schools in mid and south Essex are getting more than just maths and English on the timetable — they’re now learning vital lessons in dental care, thanks to a new NHS-backed initiative bringing dentists into the classroom.
In a bold move to tackle tooth decay — the number one reason children aged five to nine are admitted to hospitals locally — 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.
Supporting Healthy Smiles from the Start
NHS Mid and South Essex has launched the initiative to provide early intervention and better access to dental care and oral health education, helping children and families build healthy habits from a young age.
A national survey of five-year-olds in 2024 found that:
- 26.9% of children nationally
- 16% of children in mid and south Essex
had enamel or dentinal decay.
By identifying pupils who need further dental assessment or treatment, the initiative aims to reduce those numbers. If a child doesn’t have a regular dentist, they – along with their siblings and parents – will be offered appointments at a local practice assigned to their school.
What the Experts Say
William Guy, Director of Primary Care at NHS Mid and South Essex, said:
“We know that supporting our children and young people to build healthy habits from an early age is important to set the foundations for a lifetime of good oral health.
We are pleased to be working with local dental practices to deliver this programme in schools across mid and south Essex which will help improve children and families’ access to dental care and oral health education.”
The Importance of Early Intervention
Poor oral health doesn’t just affect teeth – it can impact a child’s:
- Physical and mental wellbeing
- Development
- School attendance
Tooth decay and infection are common causes of missed school days, and issues that start early can lead to serious long-term health problems including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Interactive School Visits
Participating dental teams are delivering oral health education sessions in classrooms. These sessions cover:
- Brushing techniques
- High-sugar foods to avoid
- How to form good oral habits
Mrs Rowe, Headteacher at Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School in Halstead, said:
“These dental visits have been incredible. It’s made the idea of going to the dentist far less daunting for the children, and they’ve gone home full of facts about keeping their mouths healthy and spotting hidden sugar in snacks.
Most importantly, it’s reassuring for families that they’ll be able to easily access treatment if they need it.”
Friendly Faces, Less Fear
Hannah Nurse, Lead Dental Nurse and Oral Health Educator at Essex Dental Clinic, added:
“Our school visits include interactive sessions where children learn how to look after their teeth and get familiar with us.
These relaxed sessions help them feel confident when we carry out a visual ‘lift the lip’ check to spot signs of tooth decay or other concerns.”
Children also get to visit local dental practices for familiarisation sessions, giving them a chance to explore the environment, meet the team, and reduce any anxiety around future appointments.
This initiative is part of wider work in mid and south Essex to improve access to NHS dental services for residents of all ages.
🔗 Find out more:
NHS Mid and South Essex Dental Access Initiatives