Oral Health Promotion Service

Descriptions

Oral health is an integral part of overall health. A significant proportion of the population in England experience very good levels of oral health. Successive oral surveys have shown that child and adult oral health has been improving over the past 30 years. However, the vulnerable, disadvantaged and socially excluded groups are at greater risk of oral diseases affecting their teeth, gums, supporting bone, and soft tissues of their mouth, tongue and lips. The most prevalent oral disease amongst children and young people (CYP) in England is tooth decay. In the 2023-24 survey of 5-year-olds in England, the national prevalence of children with enamel and/or dentinal decay was 26.9%. Regionally, this ranged from 23.3% in the East of England to 36.8% in the North West. Children living in the most deprived areas of the country were more than twice as likely to have experienced dentinal decay (32.2%) as those living in the least deprived areas (13.6%). Data from the epidemiology programme shows that there is wide variation across Yorkshire and the Humber in the decay experience of 5-year-olds. The greatest prevalence is seen in the most deprived areas. The Authorities are seeking a Provider that will work with a range of health, educational and social care partners and communities to deliver evidence informed oral health improvement programmes that meet local needs and impact on health improvement. The Oral Health Promotion Service will aim to encourage identified individuals, groups and communities for example children, young people, adults living in a residential care homes, adults with a learning disability or severe mental illness, and inclusion health groups to maintain and improve their oral health. There will be two core elements to the Oral Health Promotion Service: • Supervised Tooth Brushing Programme • Oral Health Training and Development of wider workforce.