The Kent Dental Epidemiology Survey and the Kent Oral Health Promotion Programme

Descriptions

This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award notice.

The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award. The standstill period begins on the day after the publication of this notice. Representations by providers must be made to decision makers by midnight on 17 December 2025. This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR.

The service delivers a comprehensive Oral Health and Dental Epidemiology programme across Kent County Council’s area. It fulfils statutory responsibilities under the Public Health England Dental Public Health Intelligence Programme, ensuring biennial dental epidemiology surveys are conducted to monitor population oral health. The approach is evidence-based and aligned with national guidance and Kent’s public health priorities, focusing on prevention and reducing oral health inequalities.

Key elements include the continuation of the Supervised Toothbrushing Programme, delivery of a pilot in one SEND school, and quality assurance of the expanded, externally funded toothbrushing programme until December 2027. The service also provides targeted oral health promotion, workforce training, and maintains a network of Oral Health Improvement Champions within Family Hubs and other community settings. Collaborative working with education, health, and community partners ensures oral health is embedded into wider health and wellbeing initiatives, supporting improved outcomes for children and vulnerable groups across Kent.