The British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT) are thrilled to announce the return of First Smiles on Friday 17 June 2016, an initiative aiming to bring oral health education to young children in their own classroom.

First Smiles encourages BSDHT members to enter schools and nurseries across the UK to deliver fun and accessible lessons to children regarding the importance of good oral health, and to teach them the necessary habits needed to maintain a healthy smile for life.

President of the BSDHT, Michaela ONeill, said: ‘First Smiles launched last year to huge success; our amazing BSDHT members really helped to make a significant difference to children's oral health by engaging with thousands of children in classrooms across the country.

'Our members, as well as schools and nurseries across the UK, have really embraced this potentially life changing initiative; we are really proud of what we have achieved so far but there is still so much more that we think we can achieve.

‘This year we want the programme to be bigger and better; we want your help to ensure important oral health messages reach many more children.’

This year the BSDHT are delighted to announce that Oral B have generously provided toothbrush and toothpaste samples to help First Smiles reach its important objectives.

The campaign is open only to dental hygienists, dental hygienist-therapists and students who are BSDHT members.

Whether it's their first tooth or their first visit to the dentist, a child's early experiences of oral health can impact on the rest of their lives. BSDHT members who wish to take part and make a difference can find out more about First Smiles at bsdht.org.uk/First_Smiles.

To find out more about the benefits of membership with the BSDHT visit www.bsdht.org.uk/membership.