Supporting World Oral Health Day - The role of prevention and education in protecting children’s oral health

Tempdent, in partnership with Ingrid Perry MBE – Oral Health Prevention Lead at mydentist

At Tempdent, we are passionate about equipping dental professionals and aspiring dental apprentices with the skills and knowledge needed to improve oral health outcomes across the UK. As part of World Oral Health Day, we are highlighting the importance of early intervention, education and access to dental care in preventing tooth decay and ensuring lifelong healthy smiles for children.

In September 2024, Tempdent introduced the Level 4 Oral Health Practitioner Apprenticeship. A groundbreaking step forward in dentistry, the apprenticeship was designed to give dental nurses and other dental professionals the opportunity to enhance their skillsets in oral health education and make a real impact on oral health in both clinical and community settings.

As Ingrid Perry, Oral Health Prevention Lead at mydentist, highlights below, early intervention and preventative care are essential in tackling oral health complications in children. With the Level 4 Oral Health Practitioner Apprenticeship, Tempdent are helping to expand the workforce equipped to deliver this care to our communities. Graduates of the program will play an important role in preventing tooth decay and promoting healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

The apprenticeship focuses on oral health education, enabling practitioners to connect with individuals, families and young children, including underserved communities. Teaching oral hygiene techniques, offering advice on healthy eating and delivering preventive care, Oral Health Practitioners can actively reduce health disparities and help address the oral health challenges faced by many children across the UK.

Ingrid Perry MBE - As dental professionals, we play a vital role in shaping children’s oral health from an early age. The habits they form in childhood often last a lifetime, making early intervention, preventive care, and clear communication with families essential in reducing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental concerns. Despite the strides we’ve made to identify and treat these concerns, too many children in the UK continue to suffer from preventable oral health issues, leading to unnecessary pain, missed school days, and avoidable dental extractions.

World Oral Health Day 2025 provides a valuable opportunity to highlight this issue and reinforce the importance of early education and access to care. It’s a time to remind parents, carers, and fellow dental professionals that simple measures - such as regular check-ups, twice-daily toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste, fluoride varnish applications, and limiting sugar intake - can significantly reduce the risk of childhood tooth decay and help children develop strong, healthy smiles for life.

Laying the foundation for good oral health begins in infancy, making preventive care a top priority. Encouraging parents to bring their children for routine check-ups, applying fluoride varnish, and educating families on proper brushing techniques are small yet impactful steps in preventing long-term dental problems. Equally, raising awareness about diet and the effects of sugar consumption is crucial - something as straightforward as swapping sugary drinks for water or milk can have a profound effect on a child’s oral health.

Collaboration is also key. Working alongside health visitors, midwives, and schools allows us to identify at-risk children early and ensure they receive the necessary support. By joining forces with public health teams and local authorities, we can strengthen community-wide initiatives that drive meaningful change.

I urge all dental professionals to use World Oral Health Day as an opportunity to educate, share resources, and engage with families about the importance of oral health. Together, we can instill lifelong healthy habits in children and help them maintain strong, confident smiles.

For further information on how to support children’s oral health in practice, visit: Child Oral Health: Applying All Our Health. If you're a parent or carer who'd like support with understanding and caring for your child's oral health, you can find free Kids Club resources on the mydentist website.

For more information on the Level 4 Oral Healthcare Practitioner Apprenticeship, take a look at the course brochure here, or email info@tempdent.co.uk.