Every Child and Family centre in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough now sport 'My Smile' accreditation.

This initiative targets reducing oral health disparities among young, disadvantaged children.  

The 'My Smile' programme, run by the Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council, trains staff at these centres on promoting good oral health habits.

The four-step training includes promotion of good oral health habits, sharing information with families about toothbrushing, encouraging tooth-friendly diets, and facilitating dental visits.

Acquiring 'My Smile' accreditation demonstrates that the staff has received comprehensive, evidence-based oral health training and can confidently promote and share oral health advice with visiting families.

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The centres also create a teeth-friendly environment for children, cementing their commitment to promoting good dental hygiene.

Councillor Bryony Goodliffe said: “I applaud the work done by Child and Family Centres across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough in acquiring this award.

"This work, alongside the Oral Health team will go a long way towards allowing disadvantaged children to access good oral health.

"Well done to everyone involved.”

Echoing the sentiment, Councillor Katy Cole, Peterborough City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, expressed her delight.

She said: “I’m delighted that our Family Hubs are now ‘Mile Smile’ accredited and look forward to seeing this initiative help to reduce oral health inequalities for children in the city.

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"Our Family Hubs have already achieved several key milestones since launching last year and are helping with our key goal of improving outcomes for children, young people and their families across Peterborough.”

'My Smile' initiative's successful implementation across centres throughout Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is a significant step towards ensuring the oral health of children from disadvantaged families and reducing health inequalities.

The training empowers local centre staff to confidently advocate and advise for young children's good oral health in their care, which in turn will have far-reaching positive effects on the community.