New oral health service launches in West Northamptonshire
Focus on education and prevention to improve dental health
A new oral health improvement service recently launched across West Northamptonshire, aimed at helping children, families, communities, and adult care settings develop healthier habits.
East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust was awarded the contract by West Northamptonshire Council following a competitive procurement process.
The service is focusing on oral health education, prevention, supervised toothbrushing programmes, and support for education and care settings, particularly in communities where poor dental health outcomes are more common.
Through training, advice, and practical resources, it will support health, care, and education professionals in promoting good oral health, helping children establish healthy habits early in life while also addressing the oral health needs of vulnerable adults.
Dental Services Manager Nicola Jeffrey said: “We are delighted to be delivering these important new services across West Northamptonshire. Good oral health is a vital part of overall health and wellbeing, yet too many children and adults experience preventable dental problems.
"By working with early years settings, families, adult care settings and community partners, we have an opportunity to support healthier habits from an early age and improve oral health outcomes across the population.
"This preventative approach will help people stay healthier for longer and contribute to reducing health inequalities across West Northamptonshire."
Councillor Laura Couse, Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Public Health at West Northamptonshire Council, added: "Good oral health is about much more than healthy teeth. It affects a child's confidence, wellbeing, ability to eat, sleep and learn, and it plays an important role in health throughout life.
"Too many children are starting school with preventable dental problems, and too many adults continue to experience poor oral health that could have been avoided with the right support.
"These new services are about getting the basics right early. By supporting families, schools, early years settings and care providers with practical advice, education and supervised toothbrushing programmes, we can help children develop healthy habits that last a lifetime.
"Prevention is always better than treatment. By working alongside our NHS partners and local communities, we can reduce health inequalities, improve people's wellbeing, and give every child the best possible start in life whilst supporting healthier, more independent lifestyles."
The Trust, working closely with partners across health, care, and local government as part of the Northamptonshire Oral Health Alliance, started the service on Thursday last week, 1st October, marking part of a wider commitment to improving population health through prevention, early intervention, and partnership working.