The early-years scheme, operating in all nurseries and primary schools in deprived areas, offers young children free toothbrushes, toothpaste and two fluoride varnish applications per year.
The number of children in primary one with "no obvious decay experience" has risen from 54 per cent in 2006 to 68 per cent in 2014.
The BDA has called for the Scottish Government to build upon this success and expand coverage and for administrations across the UK to take heed and invest in prevention.
Mick Armstrong, Chair of the British Dental Association, said:
“Childsmile has produced substantial savings, but this isn’t just about money. First and foremost it has saved young children from distress, days out of education, and ultimately avoidable dental treatment.
“Politicians across the UK need to take stock of what Scotland has achieved. Every government and every party likes to talk about prevention, but too few have recognised that oral health is a key part of the health mix.
“Tooth decay remains the leading cause of hospital admissions among our nation’s children. It’s time for proper joined-up thinking that ensures health care professional, educators and parents can provide the very best for the next generation.
“The lesson from Scotland is clear: it’s time to invest in prevention.”
Robert Donald, Chair of the Scottish Dental Practice Committee, said:
“Childsmile has delivered. The Scottish Government should now take this opportunity to build upon this success and expand coverage to 5-12 year olds, to relevant teenagers and adults.
“Scotland has shown that dental disease and deprivation don’t have to go hand in hand. We must ensure that older children and young adults can reap the benefits.”
Claire Stevens, spokesperson for British Society of Pediatric Dentistry, said:
“Scotland is producing the evidence that early intervention and prevention works. BSPD would like to congratulate all involved in Childsmile - from design, to commissioning and of course the healthcare professionals who provide this vital care and education on a day to day basis.”
“It is particularly exciting to see that inequalities in oral health are being reduced and the cost savings are an added incentive to urgently explore the possibility of establishing similar good practice for the rest of the UK. BSPD will continue to campaign for a strong focus on prevention when the working group for the commissioning guide for children's dentistry meets next month."