The British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy's (BSDHT's) First Smiles initiative is to return on Friday 16 June, bringing oral health education to young children in their own classrooms.

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First Smiles will encourage BSDHT members to enter schools and nurseries across the UK to deliver fun and accessible lessons to children on the importance of good oral health, teaching youngsters the necessary habits needed to maintain a healthy smile for life.

President of the BSDHT, Helen Minnery, said: ‘Over the last two years, First Smiles has encouraged our wonderful members from all across the country to reach out to local schools and volunteer their services, and the services of their practice, by visiting local school children to teach them about the importance of good oral health.

‘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. That's why it's so important to teach them about their mouths and introduce them to good habits as soon as possible.

‘This year we are aiming for our programme to be bigger and better than before; to achieve this we need your help to ensure important oral health messages reach many more children.’

The BSDHT aims to mobilise its members to use their unique skills and knowledge to make a difference to children's oral health. The initiative is open only to dental hygienists, dental therapists and students who are BSDHT members.

BSDHT members who wish to take part and make a difference can find out more about First Smiles at www.bsdht.org.uk/FirstSmiles.