King's Ford Academy pupils trained to be Oral Health Champions

 

What is an Oral Health Champion?

Oral Health Champions promote oral health within a setting to peers and members of the community. They play a significant role in increasing awareness about the importance of oral health i.e. toothbrushing, diet and fluoride, and empower peers to take ownership of their oral health.

Advantages of an Oral Health Champion.

• Studies have shown that peer led education has a positive impact on both champions and peers.

Cost effective approach to cascading key oral health messages and reducing the burden on the NHS for dental extractions and invasive dental treatment.

Training both teaching professionals and oral health champions will ensure a 360 approach to oral health care, promote good oral health habits, empower pupils to take ownership of their oral health and promote oral health to parents/carers to further support the programme. What is the role of an Oral Health Champion?

• To promote good oral health and empower peers.
• To champion oral health events i.e., National Smile Month.

To work in partnerships with teaching professionals to implement good oral health habits within the school setting.

Training and Oral Health Champion's.

To be successful in their role, Oral Health Champion's will receive age-appropriate training, which will encompass basic oral health knowledge. The champions will then complete a short quiz to ensure messages have been understood, and they will receive a certificate upon completion. Once the session is completed, the Champions are required to discuss oral health within their settings and cascade messages to peers. Once delivered the Champions will receive an oral health champions badge to wear within the school setting.