Smile of Mann programme to start in primary schools next year

Fluoride varnish treatments to be delivered by a dedicated team

A programme to provide fluoride varnish treatments for all local primary schools will get underway next year, around seven months later than originally intended.

The Smile of Mann initiative will be delivered by a dedicated team every six months, and offered to children from Reception to Year 6.

From the beginning of next term consent forms will be sent to all parents and carers to complete.

The Children's Oral Health Report, published earlier this year, indicated a higher level of tooth decay in local five year olds than in the UK.

Fluoride varnish is proven to prevent tooth decay and dental cavities. The pain free treatment takes five minutes and will be applied by a qualified dental nurse in school settings.

Minister for the Cabinet Office, David Ashford, says similar programmes, such as 'Childsmile' in Scotland have shown a 62% reduction in the need for fillings.