Pharmacists on a mission to tackle oral health problems
Pharmacists are on a mission to tackle oral health problems that are blighting the nation. Community pharmacists are working with health bodies, including Health Education England, to try and improve oral health habits among customers and ensure that pharmacy workers have the relevant knowledge and skills to pass on useful advice.
Atif Shamim, a community pharmacist, is one of many pharmacists trying to make a positive difference to the health and wellbeing of the local community. Atif, the regional lead for London and the South East, has been working with a group of individuals at Health Education England to produce a series of informative dental health factsheets, which are designed to provide pharmacists with better knowledge about oral health and ensure patients have access to oral health information at their local pharmacy. The body is also trying to encourage cohesive, collaborative working between pharmacists and dentists.
Award-winning pharmacist, Atif, explained that the Health Education England project is a collaborative venture, which involves dentists, pharmacists and representatives from Public Health England and NHS England.
Oral health issues are among the most common reasons people call the non-emergency NHS 111 number and the venture is designed to ensure that patients with oral health problems can access information and advice from a wider range of sources and providers.
