Supported by Henry Schein Dental, “Brush Bus” is a supervised tooth brushing programme, which sees 18k children across schools in the Hull and East Yorkshire area brushing their teeth in class every day and learning about dental hygiene. The children are also given six-monthly dental check-ups for two years.
Carter, who recently visited Francis Askew Primary School in Hull to see Brush Bus in action, said, “I absolutely endorse the Brush Bus Programme. It is an inspiring and innovative programme which deserves to be rolled out on a national basis, especially in areas of need.”
Feedback from pupils demonstrated their understanding of the importance of good oral hygiene, and a study of the scheme found that children in need of treatment had dropped by 25 per cent in just over 18 months (from 41 per cent in April 2011 to 16 per cent in November 2012).
Patrick Allen, Vice president of Henry Schein Dental, added, “It’s been really inspiring to see the real difference this programme is making to the children, in terms of their confidence and also their understanding of the importance of looking after your teeth. It’s been a pleasure to be involved and encouraging to see the positive changes that are being created by the programme.”
Other partners involved in this initiative include City Health Care Partnership, the 543 Dental Centre, East Hull Dental Centre, Chris Ayer Dental Practice and BP.