Improving oral health among schoolchildren – which approach is best?

Abstract

This opinion piece considers the focus of the coalition government on improving the dental health of schoolchildren. It shows how oral health improvement teams have moved on from approaches which involve the education of children alone. More modern interventions are selected from a palette of evidence-informed options to suit the needs of the local population. Such options should ensure a multilevel approach. A plea is made for any new guidance to be informed by dental public health specialists who have practical experience to ensure that outdated methods are not re-introduced.