Tooth Brushing Programme - FOI Response Register

I have read the following guidance on "Tooth brushing in Education", which states that "[t]he Tooth brushing Programme may be introduced to a nursery or school following a request from the school, or as a result of contact from the dental team. A member of the Childsmile team should meet with the Head Teacher to discuss what is expected and what resources will be involved."

As such, can I request the following, for each of the last five financial years (2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023/24 – most recent):

1. How many a) nurseries and b) schools have applied to participate in the Tooth brushing Programme?

2019/2020           a. 22               b. 26

2020/2021           a. 0                 b. 2

2021/2022           a. 22               b. 27

2022/2023           a. 20               b. 25

2023/2024           a. 20               b. 25

2. How many a) nurseries and b) schools have been accepted to participate in the Tooth brushing Programme?

National Nursery & Schools Tooth brushing Programme started as a pilot in nursery classes across Scotland in the mid-1990s, gradually rolling out to include early primary classes in 2003. In smaller schools where composite (mixed) classes existed, all pupils were invited to take part. All nurseries were encouraged to participate and we were lucky in Shetland that all chose to do so. However, after the tooth brushing scheme was integrated into the wider Childsmile programme in 2006 the programme became compulsory in all Local Authority/Partner Provider early year settings. Initially it was run on a parental consent basis but moved to a positive consent system in c2008 with parents given the option to opt out in writing if they did not wish their child to take part. 

Primary settings are still invited to participate (national Childsmile programme advises "at least 20% of Primary 1 and 2 classes in areas of most need" however in remote and rural areas like Shetland where the SIMD (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation) is less straightforward to apply, all schools are encouraged to take part and this continues to be the case in the Shetland Islands).The tooth brushing programme runs continuously with no requirement for early years establishments or schools to re-apply or enrol every year.

3. How many a) nurseries and b) schools have participated in the Tooth brushing Programme?

Same figures as question number 1.

4. How many children in your health board have taken part in the Tooth brushing Programme?

2019/2020           a. 471             b. 893

2020/2021           a. 0                 b. 0

2021/2022           a. 438             b. 764

2022/2023           a. 445             b. 768

2023/2024           a. 374             b. 691