North West Dental Education Programme Included in National Award Shortlist
A dental education programme launched in the North West has been shortlisted for a national award.
The Healthy Living Dentistry campaign was launched in 2014 in Bolton and the surrounding boroughs with the aim of reducing rates of dental decay and promoting good oral health habits. Although the scheme focuses on oral health, it encourages people to go the extra mile and adopt other healthy lifestyle habits that will improve their overall health and wellbeing. Just a couple of years later, the programme has received national recognition and is now a contender for a National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Shared Learning Award.
Councillor Keith Cunliffe from Wigan Council said that everybody involved with the scheme is “thrilled” that it has been included on the shortlist. Since devolution in Greater Manchester, councils have made an effort to work with local professionals, including dentists, to try and encourage people to make healthier lifestyle choices and reduce the number of people affected by preventable illnesses like tooth decay.
So far, eighteen practices and local services have signed up to participate in the scheme and councils are hoping to expand in the future. The programme isn’t just about brushing and healthy eating, it is also designed to help those in need of support for issues like smoking and drinking too much alcohol. Those in charge of providing sessions are trained to recognise potential problems and help patients to deal with issues and make healthier choices going forward. Dentists have also signed up to supporting national schemes, including Dry January, Stoptober and Mouth Cancer Action Month as part of the programme.
The Shared Learning Awards ceremony will take place in Manchester in July.
Join this Discussion