1. Understand the issue of dental decay (caries) at a population and patient level

2. Understand the key messages for delivering better oral health

3. Have an awareness of professional interventions being carried out throughout the UK

• Tooth decay is a preventable disease • Baby/primary teeth are important, and dental decay and early tooth loss causes harm • Dental decay affects 4 areas that are key to children’s overall development. - sleep, social interaction, nutrition and education. • Delivering Better Oral Health provides guidance to health practitioners to provide consistent messages regarding Diet Advice, Toothbrushing, Fluoride toothpaste, Water Fluoridation and Dental Check-ups • Preventive programmes in all four nations focus on preventive advice, fluoride availability, supervised tooth brushing and early dental check ups • Every contact with a child should be used as an opportunity to promote good oral health, Make Every Contact Count • Be aware of National Inititatives such as Dental Check By 1 and Mini Mouth Care Matters