On 17 January this year Welsh Health Minister, Lesley Griffiths, launched a new oral health service for older people living in Flintshire, North Wales.

The 'Gwên am Byth' or 'Everlasting Smiles' initiative is designed to improve the dental and oral health of people living in residential care homes and a purpose-designed mobile dental unit has been provided that will visit establishments across the county, bringing specialist care to patients.

(l-r) Professor Merfyn Jones, Chairman, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board; Mary Burrows, Chief Executive, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board; Welsh Health Minister, Lesley Griffiths; Sandy Mewies AM; Dr Michele Seager, Assistant Clinical Director/Specialist in Special Care Dentistry, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board; Dr Paul Coleman, Specialist in Special Care Dentistry, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

The launch took place at Holywell Community Hospital, where the Minister officially unveiled the mobile dental unit and met the dental team who will be providing the service. The Minister, accompanied by Dr Sandra Sandham, Director of Dental Public Health, also visited the three surgery dental facility at the hospital which includes one surgery with a wheelchair recliner that enables patients to be treated without having to transfer to a dental chair.

Dr Michele Seager, Assistant Clinical Director North Wales Community Dental Service and a specialist in special care dentistry said: 'This programme has grown from observing a very real clinical need emerging over a number of years, whereby older residents were not getting the care support they needed to maintain their mouths in health, and were having difficulties in accessing appropriate care. [...] It is all about maintaining dignity, freedom from pain and discomfort, and the confidence to socialise.'

The Gwên am Byth team includes an oral health educator as well as a specialist dentist and a dental nurse, who will provide help and advice on oral care to both residents and staff.