At a time when the poor quality of children's oral hygiene is a hot topic, mydentist launches its kids' club campaign with two goals in mind - educating parents on oral hygiene and making a trip to the dentist fun for kids!
We travelled to St Joseph's primary school in Ordsall to spend the day with nursery and reception children. The day included interactive games, a storybook session and a role-play activity where the children dressed up as dentists and patients in their newly refurbished mobile dental surgery.
Nursery teacher, Miss Woolman said: "The kids have had a fantastic day, they're so excited to go home and tell their parents about what they've learnt, I think it's really going to inspire them to want to brush twice a day."
Our recent research revealed how a lack of understanding amongst parents on the importance of early dental care is leaving the NHS with an estimated £22m annual bill. The survey of over 2,000 UK-based parents highlights how dental disengagement has left over 1 million children aged eight and under still waiting for their first trip to the dentist.
In response to these issues, mydentist has launched a new nationwide Kids' Club to provide parents and children with better information aimed at tackling dental disengagement and ensuring the best possible start to kids early dental experiences. Key initiatives of the programme include:
- Kids' Club App: Innovative digital resource to educate, engage and reward children
- My Little Book of Big Smiles: In-depth parental resource available online and in-practice to educate on early dental health
- Kids' Club Dental Unit: Mobile facility to introduce kids to the dental practice environment and increase access through more effective community engagement
- Free Brushing Aids: Two minute timer to encourage kids to brush their teeth for the recommended duration
Barry Cockcroft, Former Chief Dental Officer for NHS England and Non-Executive Director at mydentist said: "At mydentist we want to be at the forefront of this evolution. The launch of our Kids' Club initiative is a crucial first step. We will deliver innovation to our patients and change outdated perceptions of the sector through providing a service that has the hallmarks of professional expertise, trust and long-term relationships offered nationwide through modern, transparent and convenient patient delivery."
This trip to St Joseph's is just the start of kids' club and our plan to reach out to families in all communities of the UK.
mydentist recently rebranded from Integrated Dental Holdings. Its new website, including the downloadable My Little Book of Big Smiles is accessible at www.mydentist.co.uk/kids-club