Our key objective is to work with third sector, local authority and NHS partners to improve the oral health of people living and working in Forth Valley.

Oral Health Improvement in Forth Valley is delivered collaboratively by the Health Improvement Service, Public Dental Service, Oral Health Improvement (OHI) team and Public Health Nutrition (AHP Dietetics).

Our work spans across the life cycle, with various programmes supporting oral health improvement.

Communities

Smile4Life is the national programme which aims to support individuals to access dental treatment and improve their oral health care. The programme supports staff and volunteers to provide tailored interventions meeting the needs of the people they work with.

The team engage with various health and social care organisations to advocate for oral health and support the delivery of oral health messages, particularly to individuals experiencing homelessness, those at risk of homelessness and those affected by substance misuse. A significant part of this programme is through the delivery of workforce learning development to increase the knowledge and skills of staff working directly with individuals to support oral health improvement.

Smile4Life also supports Community Pharmacies to provide oral health messages to individuals receiving Opiate Substitution Therapy.

For more information on the Smile4Life Programme, email:  fv.smile4life@nhs.scot

Mouth Matters is the national programme that aims to improve the oral health of people in prison. For further information on the programme contact Zareen Iqbal (Health Improvement Service) by email at fv.smile4life@nhs.scot or the OHI Team at fv.enquiriesoralhealth@nhs.scot.

Open Wide is Scotland’s national oral health improvement programme for adults with additional care needs. It covers the age range between Childsmile and Caring for Smiles, so is aimed at adults aged from 16 – 64 years who need support with their daily oral care. Adults with additional care needs often face challenges to maintaining good oral health as a result of a physical, cognitive, medical or mental health condition. For general information on the Open Wide national programme click on the following link, Open Wide – Scottish Dental

For further enquiries in terms of training, support or resources please contact the Oral Health Improvement Team at fv.enquiriesoralhealth@nhs.scot

Caring for Smiles is NHS Scotland’s oral health promotion, training and support programme for dependant older people, age 65 and above, particularly those living in care homes or receiving care at home services.

Caring for Smiles provides care staff with skills and knowledge to support the oral care of someone they look after. The Oral Health Improvement teams across Scotland work with partners including care homes and care at home services to deliver this programme.

For general information on the Caring for Smiles national programme click on the following link, Caring for Smiles – Scottish Dental

For further enquiries in terms of training, support or resources please contact the Oral Health Improvement Team at fv.enquiriesoralhealth@nhs.scot

Other Programmes & Campaigns

The Health Improvement Service also support other programmes, including, workplace health, education and other community projects. The team support Oral Health Campaigns, including National Smile Month (May/June) and Mouth Cancer Action Month (November).

Training, Support & Local Resources

• Smile4Life training and resources for organisations and services supporting individuals in the community – View.
• Open Wide Training and resources for organisations and services supporting people with additional needs in the community. Refer to programme contact details above for further information.
• Caring for Smiles training and resources for health and social care organisations/professionals and services supporting older people. Refer to programme contact details above for further information.
• Mouth Matters training and resources for organisations/staff supporting prisoners and people in custody, including Oral Health Peer Mentor training. Refer to programme contact details above for further information.
• Drink More Water Pilot for children in Early Years settings evaluation report
• Setting the Table training for Early Years providers on the Nutritional Guidance for Early Years
• Various resources available in the Health Information Resources Service
• Other training opportunities

Get In Touch

You can get in touch with the Health Improvement Service team by completing the contact form.

Do you need to see a dentist?

For help and advice on how to register with a dental practice, to access emergency treatment or general queries, visit the dental services webpage or NHS Inform.