We work with third sector organisations, local authorities and NHS partners to help improve the oral health of people living and working in Forth Valley.

Our oral health improvement work is delivered by the Health Improvement Service alongside colleagues in the Public Dental Service, Oral Health Improvement (OHI) Team and Public Health Nutrition (AHP Dietetics).

Together, we support people at every stage of life through a range of programmes, advice and resources to help keep mouths and teeth healthy.

Looking after your teeth and mouth

Access trusted external advice and support to help you maintain good oral health.

Our Programmes

Smile4Life

Smile4Life is the national programme supporting people to access dental treatment and improve their oral health care. It equips staff and volunteers to deliver tailored oral health interventions.

The programme 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

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) at fv.smile4life@nhs.scot or the OHI Team at fv.enquiriesoralhealth@nhs.scot.

Caring for Smiles

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

The programme provides care staff with the skills and knowledge needed to support daily oral care.

For general information on the Caring for Smiles national programme, visit: Caring for Smiles – Scottish Dental.

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

Training, Support & Local Resources

We provide training and resources for organisations supporting oral health improvement.

• Smile4Life training and resources for organisations and services supporting individuals in the community – View.
• Caring for Smiles training and resources for health and social care organisations supporting older people. Refer to programme contact details above.
• Mouth Matters training and resources for staff supporting prisoners and people in custody, including Oral Health Peer Mentor training.
• 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

Campaigns and wider work

The Health Improvement Service also supports workplace health, education and community projects, alongside national campaigns including:

• National Smile Month (May/June)
• Mouth Cancer Action Month (November)

Do you need to see a dentist?

For help registering with a dental practice, accessing emergency treatment or general queries, visit our dental services page.