Under its dental health strategy, which has the support of the Norfolk Local Dental Committee, any new early years settings starting from April 2012 will have a member of staff accountable for improving the oral health of its children.

They will supervise children brushing their teeth, and liaise with parents, schools, the oral health promotion team and local dentists.

NHS Norfolk and Waveney is also exploring ways to bring oral health training into schools so that staff can support pupils to understand the importance of diet and oral hygiene.

In addition, it continues to work with the dental profession to reinforce “Delivering Better Oral Health” guidance from the Department of Health.

Linda Hillman, a Consultant in Dental Public Health at NHS Norfolk and Waveney, said: “We have worked hard over the last five years to ensure there is sufficient good quality NHS dentistry locally.

“It is important that parents and carers introduce their children to the dentist in the pre school years, so that they can be advised how to avoid dental problems in later life. We are also working hard to ensure that children’s oral health is high on the agenda in early years settings and schools.”

She added: “I would also encourage people who haven’t been to a dentist for some time to make an appointment and get their teeth checked. Dentists are used to seeing people who are nervous. Too often we come across people who have suffered longstanding pain or discomfort, and then have needed to see a dentist out of hours.”

More than £100,000 is being invested to make more NHS dental appointments available in Norfolk.

The funding will provide treatment for around 1240 new NHS patients in three key “hotspots”: In Practices to the north of Norwich, around the A11 corridor and around the A140 south of Norwich.

The funding has come from the Department of Health. NHS Norfolk and Waveney applied for money and was awarded £111,000. The aim is to create space for patients who have not been seen by a dentist within the past 24 months.

Nikki Cocks, Director of Primary Care, said: “We know there are hotspot areas in Norfolk where access to NHS dentistry must be improved. This extra funding from the Department of Health enables more people see an NHS dentist in those locations.”

NHS Norfolk and Waveney has significantly improved access to NHS dentistry recently.

Since 2006 £3.8m has been invested in Norfolk and about £1m has been invested in the Great Yarmouth and Waveney area.

Access remains higher in Norfolk and Waveney than the national average.

There are standard charges payable for most NHS oral care. However it is free if, when the treatment starts, you are aged under 18, aged under 19 and in full-time education, pregnant, or a mother who’s given birth in the last 12 months, staying at an NHS hospital where your doctor is the hospital dentist, or receiving certain benefits.

To find out more about free NHS dental treatment and if you qualify call 0845 850 116, or read the leaflet Help With Health Costs which is available from Jobcentre Plus and NHS dentists, or online at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk

Dental treatment charges are explained in the leaflet NHS Dental Services In England at: www.dh.gov.uk

For more information about dental treatment and tips on how to look after your teeth and gums, visit: www.norfolk.nhs.uk/your-nhs-dentist

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