Clyde Munro dental volunteers to provide free fluoride varnish treatments for 1,000 children
Dental professionals from the Clyde Munro group have pledged to provide 1,000 children in Scotland with free fluoride varnish treatment.
The company, which is Scotland’s largest dental chain, has created a network of volunteers to run free clinics outside of working hours. The goal is to treat at least 1,000 children by the end of 2022.
Fluoride varnish is applied to the teeth to reduce the risk of decay. Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, protects the enamel coating, lowering the risk of cavities. Fluoride varnish is one of the most effective preventative treatments for young children.
Children across the UK are offered free fluoride varnish treatment up to twice a year, but the pandemic has caused major delays in the programme. In some areas of Scotland, only 55% of children have seen a dentist in the last two years.
To ease pressure and tackle backlogs, Clyde Munro has established a network of dentists, which will run out of hours clinics to provide more than 1,000 children with preventative treatment. Tooth decay is currently the most common reason children in the UK are admitted to hospital.
Jacqui Frederick, clinical director at Clyde Munro and one of the volunteer dentists on the programme, said that the scheme is designed to target children who have missed out on preventative treatment during the pandemic.
Clyde Munro is Scotland’s largest dental provider and the group is eager to “be part of the fightback.” In an ideal world, volunteers wouldn’t have to work extra hours to run the initiative, but the dentists are committed to hitting the target and helping children to enjoy better oral health.
Parents who would like to find out more about the scheme are encouraged to contact their local Clyde Munro practice.
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