Special Smiles

Jun 6 2008

A NEW dental health project was launched at Perth’s Fairview School.

The ‘Special Smiles’ initiative is designed to enhance preventative care for children and young people with special support needs.

It is the brainchild of Action for Sick Children (Scotland), which is the only charity in Scotland dedicated to informing, promoting and campaigning on behalf of the needs of all sick children within the healthcare system.

The Tayside-wide ‘Special Smiles’ project has received Scottish Government funding for two years.

Schools for children with additional and complex needs will received a Dental Playbox along with a smaller playpack, to encourage the children to take care of their teeth.

Catherine Nelson, Special Smiles Project Co-ordinator, told the PA: "Children and young people with additional support needs are at a higher risk of needing specialist dental services than the general population due to disability-related difficulties in maintaining oral health.

“They are also at the highest risk of having to undergo general anaesthesia for dental procedures. The new project aims to enhance the preventative care system for children and young people most in need by assisting schools, parents and carers to carry out their role in developing good dietary and oral health habits."

The launch took place at Fairview School, Perth. The speakers included Coral Bell, Fairview's Head teacher and representatives from Action for Sick Children (Scotland).