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.

Looking after your teeth and mouth

Access trusted advice and support to help you maintain good oral health. The links below take you to reliable sources for further information and guidance.

• Caring for your children’s teeth | Childsmile
• Caring for my teeth and gums | Oral Health Foundation
• Mouth cancer information | NHS inform
• Illness, infections and disorders of the mouth | NHS inform
• Coping with dental anxiety | NHS inform
• Support for people with additional support needs | toothPASTE Study

Communities

Smile4Life

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.

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

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.

Open Wide

Open Wide is Scotland’s national oral health improvement programme for adults with additional care needs (aged 16–64). It supports adults whose oral health is affected by physical, cognitive, medical or mental health conditions.

For general information on the Open Wide national programme, visit: Open Wide – Scottish Dental.

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

Caring for Smiles

Caring for Smiles is NHS Scotland’s oral health promotion, training and support programme for older people (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 the oral care of people they look after.

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.

Other Programmes & Campaigns

The Health Improvement Service also supports programmes related to workplace health, education and other community projects. The team also supports 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 supporting people with additional needs. Refer to programme contact details above.
• 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

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 page.