More than 2,500 organisations and groups from around the UK took part in this year's National Smile Month 2012, which ran from 20 May to 20 June.

The oral health team from Torrington Dental Practice in North Devon organised events both in-house for patients of the practice and externally. Dental hygienist Sabina Camber, oral health educator Lisa Morris and dental nurse Sarah Poole spent the day at The Big Sheep, a family attraction in North Devon, taking the practice mascot Colin the Crocodile with them. Armed with displays, balloons, stickers, free toothbrushes and a ‘good food – bad food’ board, the team chatted with members of the public of all ages about the importance of good oral health.

Patients attending Torrington Dental Practice had the opportunity to win an electric toothbrush by answering three short questions about oral health and the answers were displayed in the waiting room. Patients were also asked to identify ten royal smiles in keeping with the Jubilee celebrations. For child patients there was a competition to win tickets to a local theme park.

The practice also invited local nursery schools to visit for a tour, a ‘ride’ in the dental chair and a chat about toothbrushing and diet. The tots were given information packs to take home which also contained a new toothbrush.