Dental programme hailed a success by prisoners in Scotland
A new dental programme has been hailed a success by prisoners in Scotland.
Dentists from Dundee University have been working with prisoners at Perth Prison as part of a project named People in Prison. The group of professionals has spent time with inmates, teaching them about oral health matters and encouraging them to brush up on their cleaning skills. The interactive ad informative sessions were designed to encourage inmates to improve oral hygiene, and to take good care of themselves in general. Co-director of the Dundee Health Services Research Unit, Professor Ruth Freeman explained that research demonstrates that people who care for their teeth are more likely to take better care of their health in general. For many people, oral health may not seem like a priority, but when you learn about its importance, and the impact is has on general health, this can be a wake-up call.
Often, tackling problems that are linked to oral health also has benefits for general health. Cutting down sugar intake, for example, doesn’t just reduce the risk of decay. It also lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes and complications associated with obesity, such as heart disease.
Many of the participants said that they had learned valuable lessons from the programme, and they intended to use their skills and knowledge to benefit others on the outside. One person said that the programme had given them the support and knowledge needed to give up smoking while another commented that the sessions had taught him that he enjoyed helping people to make positive changes.
Join this Discussion