Scottish Government

Rationale

Criteria

Achieved

Action Plan

Standards of dental health in Scotland's school children are poor. Six out of ten 12 year olds have visible decay experience in adult teeth. (SHBDEP 1996/97) and seven out of ten 14 year olds have visible decay experience in adult teeth (SHBDEP 1998/99).

All adult teeth erupt from the age of primary school entry onwards.

Dental decay is preventable. It is a consequence of inappropriate diet (over-frequent consumption of sugar in foods and drinks), poor oral hygiene and infrequent attendance for dental care.

Dental erosion is increasingly prevalent in children.

NHS dental registrations reach their peak of 74% in the age group 6-12 years and decline in later years. (SDPB 2000/01)

• School nursing teams work with schools to develop policies on nutrition and health promotion which take account of positive oral health.

• School nursing teams work with children, young people, parents and teaching staff to develop an awareness of good oral health and facilitate access to dental services.

• School nursing teams integrate oral health in their holistic approach to health promotion as part of the Health Promoting School model.

• Nurses working in schools facilitate the development of regular tooth brushing programmes within schools through structured interventions such as Breakfast Clubs and post snack brushing.

• National Dental Inspection Programme (NDIP) identifies children at greatest risk of oral disease and is used to inform the school profile and health plan.