A mobile dental unit is to begin visiting schools in deprived areas of Scotland on a weekly basis in a bid to improve the dental records of children who are less likely to attend for check-ups.
School pupils in West Lothian will be offered routine dental checks, as well as fluoride varnishing. They will also receive advice on what food and drink to avoid in order to maintain good dental health, and help in finding their own dentist .
The mobile facility is run by a government-funded programme called Childsmile, which is designed to improve the oral health of children in Scotland .
Childsmile has four main elements: Childsmile Practice, which promotes oral health from birth; Childsmile Nursery, which provides preventive programmes for children in Nursery; Childsmile School, which provides a school based dental service for children aged four and upwards; and a core tooth brushing programme.
Robert Naysmith, clinical director of community dental services at NHS Lothian, said: "I am delighted to see the launch of this fantastic new unit which is targeted at children who will benefit greatly from preventative care."
"The specialised dental care and equipment offered in the unit means that children in West Lothian will receive high-quality treatment easily and conveniently."
