Give a child a toothbrush and change a life

Teeth Team was set up in 2010, in a deprived area of Hull. Through the commitment of its founders, the project won the support of schools, local dental practices, dental suppliers and politicians.  The number of children from the area having a general anaesthetic for multiple extractions has since decreased by nearly 20 per cent and Teeth Team has played a key role.

The brainchild of Ingrid Perry, the project started modestly.  She was working for a local area team in 2006, when she devised a children’s oral health scheme called Brush Bus. After funding was withdrawn, Ingrid won the support of a Hull practice-owner, Chris Groombridge of 543 Dental Centre.

Ingrid said, “Thanks to Chris, lots of doors began to open and the scheme grew into Teeth Team. Before I knew it we had local dental practices offering pro bono visits to schools and head teachers of other schools wanting us to set up schemes while Colgate and Henry Schein donated toothbrushes and paste and fluoride varnish. We have had so much support.