The Dental Playbox project was started in response to the increasing numbers of children being hospitalised because of tooth decay. According to statistics, over one third of children in the UK have tooth decay by the time they start primary school.
Action for Sick Children provides trained facilitators who visit playgroups, nurseries and schools to teach children, by learning through play, about the importance of healthy eating and to prepare them from an early age for a trip to the dentist. Play gives children the opportunity to learn and express any fears that they may have in a safe and secure environment.
In 2011 Dental Playbox visited 133 locations and presented to 3,769 children. By the end of 2012 the figures had risen sharply to 203 locations and 7,240 children.
A specially designed box of resources which includes role play uniforms, hand puppets, games, easy to read stories, toothbrushes and a teacher’s pack, is left for a week after the session for the children to continue learning.
Manager of the Dental Playbox project, Teresa Dooley, said, “There has been much debate about children’s oral health. The numbers of children with dental problems is growing at an alarming rate, putting an even greater strain on the healthcare industry. The Dental Playbox project is a fun way for children to learn about the importance of visiting the dentist and looking after their teeth.”
This year, Action for Sick Children’s aim is to visit 264 locations presenting the Dental Playbox project to more than 9,365 children.