A team of adults with learning disabilities has successfully passed a training course as part of a pioneering dental ambassador scheme – the first of its kind in the UK.

Six people from Plymouth People First have completed their programme of training for the peer support project developed by the Community Engagement Team at the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE) and supported by Henry Schein.

The team - just the second group to complete the course - has spent six weeks learning from PDSE experts about oral hygiene, toothbrushing, the importance of fluoride, healthy eating, reducing sugar intake and accessing dental care.

Dental Ambassador Luke Garland said: 'The course was really interesting and enjoyable. I liked doing it'.

The programme culminated in an awards presentation held at PDSE's Dental Education Facility (DEF) at Plymouth Science Park where each dental ambassador received a certificate, badge and oral health pack.

They will now promote good dental hygiene and care to their peers through delivering presentations in workplaces and residential settings.

The dental ambassador scheme offers people with learning disabilities the understanding, awareness and confidence to encourage their peers to adopt better oral hygiene and make regular visits to the dentist. They are also supported with presentation skills training – last year's ambassadors delivered oral health presentations to more than 180 of their peers.

Martine Fletcher, Dental Ambassador Co-ordinator at Plymouth People First said: 'Plymouth People First are delighted to continue working with PDSE on the dental ambassador scheme. We already have three bookings for the spring and are looking forward to sharing our new-found knowledge of oral hygiene.