Abstract
Introduction: The BrushUP programme, led by the University of Portsmouth Dental Academy, aims to improve children’s oral health through supervised toothbrushing programme, including dental screenings, Fluoride Varnish (FV) applications, and oral health promotions (OHP). These are delivered twice a year by staff and student in local schools. Ethical approval was not required.
Aim: Evaluate short-term outcomes of the BrushUP during 2023–2025 period.
Method: This evaluation recorded the number of children screened, those receiving fluoride varnish, and those identified with visible caries or restorations. Oral Health Promotion visits and staff training refreshers were provided on request. In 2025, brushing routines were checked in three schools.
Results: In 2023–24, 832 children were screened across 18 schools. Caries prevalence was 25.5% in Visit 1 and 20.4% in Visit 2 (mean: 23.0%), with variation between schools (range: 5.3–50%). Restoration prevalence averaged 5.0%. A total of 308 dental referrals were made, and OHP sessions were delivered in six schools. In 2024–25, 841 children were screened in Visit 1 and 729 in Visit 2. Caries prevalence rose from 21.4% to 28.1% (mean: 24.8%), while restoration prevalence averaged 1.8%. A total of 500 referrals were made.
OHP sessions and refresher training were delivered in six & three schools, respectively.
Limitations: This evaluation was limited to two academic years only.
Conclusion: The programme reached a large number of children across both years, providing screening, FV and oral health education. Although caries levels remained high and restorations low, the increase in referrals and engagement with schools indicate promising uptake. Continued support for school-based prevention and better access to treatment are needed to reduce oral health inequalities.
Key References: https://www.port.ac.uk/collaborate/our-community/clinics-and-services/dental-academy-patient-services/brush-up
Aim: Evaluate short-term outcomes of the BrushUP during 2023–2025 period.
Method: This evaluation recorded the number of children screened, those receiving fluoride varnish, and those identified with visible caries or restorations. Oral Health Promotion visits and staff training refreshers were provided on request. In 2025, brushing routines were checked in three schools.
Results: In 2023–24, 832 children were screened across 18 schools. Caries prevalence was 25.5% in Visit 1 and 20.4% in Visit 2 (mean: 23.0%), with variation between schools (range: 5.3–50%). Restoration prevalence averaged 5.0%. A total of 308 dental referrals were made, and OHP sessions were delivered in six schools. In 2024–25, 841 children were screened in Visit 1 and 729 in Visit 2. Caries prevalence rose from 21.4% to 28.1% (mean: 24.8%), while restoration prevalence averaged 1.8%. A total of 500 referrals were made.
OHP sessions and refresher training were delivered in six & three schools, respectively.
Limitations: This evaluation was limited to two academic years only.
Conclusion: The programme reached a large number of children across both years, providing screening, FV and oral health education. Although caries levels remained high and restorations low, the increase in referrals and engagement with schools indicate promising uptake. Continued support for school-based prevention and better access to treatment are needed to reduce oral health inequalities.
Key References: https://www.port.ac.uk/collaborate/our-community/clinics-and-services/dental-academy-patient-services/brush-up
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 25 Sept 2025 |
| Event | 29th EADPH Congress: Oral Health for All: Building a Healthier Future - Rome, Italy Duration: 25 Sept 2025 → 27 Sept 2025 https://www.eadph.org/29th-eadph-congress/ |
Conference
| Conference | 29th EADPH Congress: Oral Health for All: Building a Healthier Future |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Italy |
| City | Rome |
| Period | 25/09/25 → 27/09/25 |
| Internet address |