Launched on World Oral Health Day, an innovativenew tool is set to help patients all over the UK remember and better adhere to their dental clinician’s advice long after they leave the clinic.
‘Hooked on Oral Hygiene’ was designed by dental hygienist, Michelle Coles, and is launched by the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Programme (WOHP) and the British Society of Dental Hygiene & Therapy (BSDHT). ‘Hooked on Oral Hygiene’ aims to help dental professionals improve patients’ oral hygiene by providing individually tailored advice on a handy door hanger style handout. It features three boxes where dentists, dental hygienists and those dually qualified in dental hygiene and therapy can write personalised tips on oral care as well as an illustration of the patient’s mouth showing them which areas to focus on when brushing.
Printed on steam proof paper, the handout can be hung on any bathroom door or cabinet as a visible reminder to patients to practise good oral hygiene in between dental check-ups. There’s even space to write the time and date of their next check-up, helping to minimise the chance of missing appointments.
Michelle, who works at Dental Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, entered her idea for ‘Hooked on Oral Hygiene’ to the Oral Hygiene By Design Award 2015, hosted by WOHP and BSDHT. As winner of the award, she has been partnering with WOHP, BSDHT and a design team to further develop her idea and launch it nationwide.
Michelle says: “As a hygienist, I know only too well how hard it can be to motivate patients to maintain good oral hygiene habits in between check-ups. I wanted to create something to change that. Seeing ‘Hooked on Oral Hygiene’ come to life with the help of WOHP and BSDHT has been incredibly exciting and I can’t wait to see it being used. I truly believe it can improve at home oral health routines for patients and be a great asset to dental clinicians around the country.”
Michaela ONeill, president of the BSDHT, says: “Often patients listen carefully to the advice of their dental care professional and fully intend to follow it when they get home. But then the realities of a busy lifestyle get in the way. ‘Hooked on Oral Hygiene’ provides a solution by giving them a constant reminder of what they should be doing to maintain good oral care. It’s a great step in helping improve long term oral health for people of all ages.”
Matthew Kent, senior manager of WOHP, says:“Wrigley is very proud to have partnered with Michelle Coles and the BSDHT to bring this innovative design to dental clinics nationwide. The Oral Hygiene By Design Award 2015 provided the ideal platform for Michelle to bring her idea to life and I’m confident that ‘Hooked on Oral Hygiene’ is set to have a positive, long lasting impact on patients’ oral care.”