BrightBites is an oral health education programme for children up to 11 years old*, where volunteers visit childcare settings and schools to deliver an interactive presentation that covers toothbrushing, teeth names and their functions, sugar awareness and the importance of regular dental appointments.
We are seeking volunteers who are willing to go along to their local nurseries, schools, childcare settings & organisations to deliver the project. We would particularly like to target areas of high social deprivation, where the oral health needs of children are often greater. With this in mind, we are relying on volunteer’s local knowledge to target these areas.
It would be great if volunteers could get in touch with their local schools, nurseries and groups to offer to go along and deliver the BrightBites programme.
Dentaid provide a range of teaching resources to support the volunteers for the session, which includes a toothbrush and tube of toothpaste for every child seen.
*BrightBites can also be adapted to be delivered at secondary schools and groups with additional needs.
Tooth decay is the most common reason for hospital admission in children aged 6 - 10. Children living in the most deprived communities are around 3.5 times more likely to have teeth removed, than those in most affluent areas. Poor oral health is resulting in children missing school days due to dental problems and this is costing the NHS a significant amount of resources.
By introducing children to the importance of good oral health habits, we can ensure they are on their way to a positive oral health journey.
No qualifications are required to become a presenter, but confidence to deliver and DBS certification, which we can arrange for you.
Our Opportunities
BrightBites is an oral health education initiative for children up to 11 years old, the purpose of the programme is to raise awareness to children about the importance of good oral health through an interactive presentation.