Issue - meetings

To receive the Oral Health Improvement Update report.

The Public Health Commissioner presented the oral health improvement update, supported by a video message from the Oral Health Improvement Lead at the Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust. Members heard that the Healthy Smiles programme had expanded to 33 settings, largely in the most deprived areas, and that funding had been received for the “Brilliant Brushes” scheme. It was noted that a 2023/24 survey had found that 27% of five?year?olds had dental decay; although the sample was small, this figure was below the England average and the survey would be repeated in 2026. The Oral Health Improvement Lead described the Brushing for Life programme supporting 0–9?year?olds, including distribution at 6–8 weeks of age of packs promoting water over juice via free?flow cups, and plans to develop consistent family?hub messaging to embed habits early. Members welcomed the expansion and emphasised links to Family Hubs and early years settings. The Board also noted that teeth?brushing formed part of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum but that capacity varied across settings; the programme aimed to support home uptake in tandem with school participation. Background on the Community Dental Service’s oral health improvement role was noted. The Board agreed to receive future oral health updates, including programme coverage, uptake, and impact on decay rates.