The latest annual reports on the dental public health programmes delivered by NHS Community Dental Services in Wales have shown that the programmes have recovered well from the pause during the pandemic. 

Designed to Smile, the oral health programme to prevent dental caries (also known as cavities) in children, which is delivered by staff from the seven local health boards through nurseries and primary schools, has made considerable progress in its key delivery measures and in most have returned to around the levels recorded in the 2018-2019 report. 

In the academic year 2023-24, Designed to Smile delivered fluoride varnish application sessions to more settings than ever before, with 621 schools and nurseries participating in the programme.   

In addition, 35,544 home toothbrushing packs were distributed by health visitors to families to help develop positive oral health habits at the earliest stage, along with 16,562 trainer cups. 

832 professionals in the childcare, health and social care areas, and 640 health visitors and students were given oral health education training. 

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