Toothbrushing in schools planned to help tackle Suffolk's dental crisis
Its among a package of measures being considered by health bosses
Last updated 26th Jan 2023
Children could be made to brush their teeth in Suffolk schools as part of new plans to help tackle the county's dental crisis.
The Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, which oversees both hospitals and GP surgeries across the county, has put forward a package of measures worth almost £3m to help improve oral health.
Around £2.5m of that money is earmarked for healthcare in Suffolk.
It comes amid a shortage of dentists across the county, with campaign group Toothless In Suffolk claiming many people are resorting to DIY dentistry because they can't get an appointment with a dentist.
Under proposals over £200,000 would be used to set up a supervised toothbrushing scheme in local schools, alongside lessons about healthy eating.
£90,000 would go towards 'Keep Smiling Packs' which are distrubted to early years children and people attending local foodbanks.
Another £200,000 would be put towards community clinics for dentistry aimed at vulnerable families, with the cash helping to hire the staff needed to run the sessions.
Health bosses met on Tuesday to discuss the proposals, with a final decision on whether to go ahead expecting in the coming weeks.
The funding will be distributed from the end of March.