Designed just for dental nurses

For dental nurses looking to expand their knowledge and skills, the British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show (BDCDS) is not an event to miss! The Dental Nurses’ Forum – presented by the British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN), chaired by BADN President Jacqui Elsden and sponsored by GSK – will offer a full two-day lecture programme tailored specifically for those in the role.

Among the sessions you can look forward to joining will be:

Joanne Dawber

 

Joanne Dawber

“Greater Manchester HSCP transformation – devolution oral health programmes”

Discussing her experience with the oral health programme in the area and how it is both raising awareness and supporting care delivery through shared best practice.

Rebecca Power

 

Rebecca Power

“Dental health in pregnancy”

Explore the oral manifestations linked to pregnancy and how to improve care of pregnant patients.

Sharon Brennan

 

Sharon Brenan

“Risky business”

Better understand your statutory responsibilities and the options available regarding indemnity.

 

Janet Pickles

Janet Pickles

“Inhalation sedation – an update”

Get up-to-date on the latest information and research behind use of inhalation sedation.

 

Jo Dawson

Jo Dawson

“Raisin Awareness – a call to action. As DCPs we have the skills to make positive change happen”

Gain practical tips and advice on how to run your own oral health promotion project, using the “Raisin Awareness” campaign as an example.

There will also be an update from the GDC with Joanne Rewcastle, Rebecca Silver will consider what may be impacting dental nurse recruitment and retention and Hannah Grieve will encourage dental nurses to better manage their stress. Lin Little will also explain the benefits of being part of the RADC Reserves and Anthony Sweeny will explore maximising scope of practice through teamwork.

On Saturday, Preetee Hylton will be discussing “Domestic abuse: a never-ending battle, about which she comments:

“I would love dental nurses and other dental professionals to attend my domestic abuse awareness session because they might learn something new which could help save someone’s life one day. My aim is for delegates to leave my session with a strengthened sense of duty to further educate themselves on the signs of domestic abuse. I also hope they share what they have learnt with their team members, therefore working towards creating a culture of openness and support in their workplaces.”

The BADN will also be on stand K80, where you can talk to President-elect Debra Worthington, Chairman Joan Hatchard and Treasurer Michelle Brand, along with BADN staff Pam Swain and Adam Skalski. Why not go along to join/renew your membership, buy a membership badge or commemorative brooch, pick up their new Menopause Policy, ask a question…. or just have a chat! Plus, relax and enjoy a coffee  with BADN/ONG member friends and colleagues in the BADN  lounge (K85), sponsored by R A Medical Ltd.

BADN Chief Exec Pam Swain explains: “BADN were 80 in 2020, but we couldn’t celebrate 80 years of supporting the UK’s dental nurses then, so this is our 80 + 2 celebration! All dental nurses, whether BADN members or not – in fact all members of the dental team – are welcome to visit our stand, and find out more about the UK’s professional association for dental nurses. We look forward to seeing you there!”

Time is fast running out to register for BDCDS – if you haven’t already, book your place online – it’s free for all delegates!

The British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2022 will be held on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th May, NEC Birmingham, co-located with DTS.

REGISTER FOR FREE TODAY

For more information, visit birmingham.dentistryshow.co.uk, or email dentistry@closerstillmedia.com

Haleon’s inception with Tess Player

In this episode, Tess Player, Global HCP Lead at Haleon, discusses the company’s formation. Haleon is a new, independent consumer healthcare company emerging as a result of GSK demerging its Consumer Healthcare division. Therefore, Haleon will be home to brands such as Sensodyne, Aquafresh, Parodontax, Polident and Biotène.

A longstanding member of the GSK team, Tess explains the reasons behind Haleon’s establishment and the impact it will have on dental care professionals as well as some of the programmes the company will offer for DCPs.

For more information, please visit GSK Health Partner: www.gskhealthpartner.com

You can also connect with Tess on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tess-player

Listen here as well as on all major podcast platforms, including Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotify and more:
 
 
 

GSK announces independent Consumer Healthcare company to be renamed Haleon

  • Haleon will be a new world-leader in consumer health with an exceptional portfolio of category-leading brands, including Sensodyne, Voltarol, Panadol and Centrum

  • Business is on track to demerge and list as a new company in mid-2022

GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) has announced that the new company, to result from the proposed demerger of Consumer Healthcare from GSK in mid-2022, will be called Haleon.

Haleon (pronounced “Hay-Lee-On”) is inspired by the merging of the words ‘Hale’, which is an old English word that means ‘in good health’ and Leon, which is associated with the word ‘strength’.

The new brand identity was developed with input from employees, healthcare practitioners and consumers and will be deployed in more than 100 markets around the world where the business operates.

The creation of Haleon results from a series of successful investments and strategic changes to GSK’s consumer health business over the last 8 years, including integrations of the consumer product portfolios from Novartis and Pfizer. It is now a highly valuable and focused global business generating annual sales of approximately £10 billion1.

As a standalone company, Haleon will be a new world-leader in consumer healthcare, offering a compelling proposition – to bring deep human understanding together with trusted science – to deliver better everyday health with humanity.

Brian McNamara, Chief Executive Officer Designate, Haleon, said: “Introducing Haleon to the world marks another step in our journey to become a new, standalone company. Our name is grounded in our purpose to deliver better everyday health with humanity and to be a world-leader in consumer healthcare. We are on track to launch Haleon in mid-2022 and our business momentum is strong. We look forward to updating investors and analysts more on this at our capital markets event at the end of February.”

Emma Walmsley, Chief Executive Officer, GSK, said: “Haleon brings to life years of hard work by many outstanding people to build this new company purely dedicated to everyday health. Haleon has enormous potential to improve health and wellbeing across the world with strong prospects for growth, and through listing will unlock significant value for GSK shareholders.”

Bas Vorsteveld VP & General Manager Great Britain and Ireland, GSK Consumer Healthcare, said: “As Haleon, we have a solid base from which to begin, with a focused portfolio of category leading brands which meet real consumer needs. I am delighted to be able to drive this exciting chapter in our company’s history together with the superb GBI team. With our popular brands such as Sensodyne, Voltarol, Panadol and Centrum, we will of course continue to be an important partner for our consumers, customers and healthcare professionals across Great Britain and Ireland, working together to improve everyday health.”

Haleon will have a world-class portfolio of category-leading global brands, including Sensodyne, Voltarol, Panadol and Centrum. Its brands are trusted by healthcare professionals, customers and people worldwide to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and their communities. Demand from the £150 billion consumer healthcare sector is strong, reflecting an increased focus on health and wellness, significant demand from an ageing population and emerging middle-class, and unmet consumer needs. The business is therefore well-positioned to deliver human health impact and to sustainably grow ahead of the market in the years to come.

The new name was announced as part of a global celebration for all of the people working in GSK Consumer Healthcare earlier today. Employees from around the world had the opportunity to engage with the new name and brand identity which seeks to bring to life the company’s purpose and growth ambitions.

The name was also announced in advance of GSK hosting a Consumer Healthcare Capital Markets Day for investors and analysts on Monday 28 February, to provide details on the overall strategy, capabilities and operations of Haleon, including detailed financial information and growth ambitions of the business. For prospective investors, Haleon will offer attractive organic sales growth, operating margin expansion and consistent high cash generation.

References:

1. Sales in FY2021 £9.6 billion, including Brands divested/under review; £9.5bn continuing sales

GSK Consumer Healthcare research reveals low awareness of link between oral health and wider health conditions

A new study by GSK Consumer Healthcare in partnership with Ipsos has revealed the need to improve public awareness that good oral care can benefit people’s overall health. 85% of respondents agreed with the statement[1] ‘I believe good oral healthcare can benefit my overall health, beyond just my mouth’ dropping to 80% in the UK specifically[2], but the research showcased that the specific benefits were not well known.

Only 29% of consumers in the UK are unaware that good oral health can support a healthier pregnancy, with lower risk of complications. This link proved to have the lowest awareness globally within the bespoke research[3]. Pregnant women with poor gum health are more likely to give birth prematurely, suffer pre-eclampsia, or have a baby with low birth weight – meaning good oral health habits are critical[4].

When assessing the awareness of links between oral healthcare and diabetes, it was found that only 40% of consumers in the UK were aware of the link and the impact this has on controlling blood sugar levels or managing diabetes[5], versus 51% of consumers globally[6].

In addition, less than half (45%) of British consumers are aware that good oral care can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease[7] – those with gum disease are at higher risk of heart disease as the bacteria can spread from the gums throughout the bloodstream causing inflammation when it reaches the heart[8].

Jonathan Workman, Area General Manager for Great Britain and Ireland at GSK Consumer Healthcare, comments: “As one of the world’s largest providers of specialist oral health, it is our responsibility to support healthcare professionals across dentistry and pharmacy professions to educate consumers on the wider benefits of oral healthcare, outside of the mouth. By drawing a stronger light on the wider benefits of good oral healthcare and regular visits to the dentist – as part of a holistic self-care routine – our ambition is to further relieve pressure on our health services.”

In response to the new statistics, GSK Consumer Healthcare is continuing its support for healthcare professionals and advising dental practitioners and pharmacy teams to visit the GSK Health Partner website for more information and advice: www.gskhealthpartner.com.

References:

[1] IPSOS Oral Healthcare Survey, in partnership with GSK, EUROPEAN RESULTS | Table 69 – Q16.5 Agreement with statement ‘I believe good oral healthcare can benefit my overall health, beyond just my mouth

[2] IPSOS Oral Healthcare Survey, in partnership with GSK, GB RESULTS | Table 69 – Q16.5 Agreement with statement ‘I believe good oral healthcare can benefit my overall health, beyond just my mouth

[3] IPSOS Oral Healthcare Survey, in partnership with GSK, GB RESULTS | Table 68 – Q16.4 Agreement with statement ‘I believe good oral healthcare can support

[4] European Federation of Periodontology, https://www.efp.org/gum-disease-general-health/oral-health-pregnancy/overview/why-it-matters/

[5] IPSOS Oral Healthcare Survey, in partnership with GSK, GB RESULTS | Table 67 – Q16.3 Agreement with statement ‘I believe good oral healthcare can have a positive impact on controlling blood sugar levels or managing diabetes

[6] IPSOS Oral Healthcare Survey, in partnership with GSK, EUROPEAN RESULTS | Table 67 – Q16.3 Agreement with statement ‘I believe good oral healthcare can have a positive impact on controlling blood sugar levels or managing diabetes

[7] IPSOS Oral Healthcare Survey, in partnership with GSK, GB RESULTS | Table 65 – Q16.1 Agreement with statement ‘I believe good oral healthcare can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease

[8] NHS England, https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/health-risks-of-gum-disease/

Sensodyne returns to screens this summer with new Repair & Protect: Deep Repair

Sensodyne is returning to the nation’s screens this summer, supporting the launch of Sensodyne Repair & Protect: Deep Repair. Running across TV, programmatic video and YouTube, it marks the return of the brand’s traditional creative format, which places dental experts in the spotlight to highlight the benefits of the new formulation.

Offering targeted relief, Sensodyne Repair & Protect: Deep Repair helps ensure shoppers with sensitive teeth can still enjoy their favourite hot and cold treats this summer. With the tagline “Proven by science, prove it in life”, the advert will also be supported by activity across digital and social channels.

Deep Repair builds on the success of Repair & Protect – a huge sub-brand in its own right delivering 7.3% household penetration in the UK[1] – and offers an innovative formula for sensitivity relief. Now using aerosil silica, it promotes formation of occluding material within the tubules of the tooth. The result is a toothpaste that truly gets to the root of the problem, offering a long lasting solution to sensitivity through twice-daily use.

Colm Casey, Senior Brand Manager for Sensodyne, comments: “Our latest campaign follows a period of great success for Sensodyne, with the brand being a real driver of growth in the extra care category. Over the past year, it has seen a 7.3% rise in value growth versus 1.3% in the overall market[2]. The new marketing campaign – fronted and endorsed by dentists – highlights the new and improved formulation. Shoppers will have the assurance that summer sensitivity really can be a thing of the past, while pharmacy teams will have the opportunity to drive further sales within the category by building on the brand’s ongoing success.”

The latest advert from Sensodyne will hit the small screen from early July, running for a period of three months. First launched in February, new Repair & Protect Deep Repair will be available to all stockists from July as part of a gradual roll-out (RRP: £5.50).

References:

[1] Kantar Worldpanel Toothpaste Market data MAT 52WK 13-May-2021

[2] Kantar Worldpanel Toothpaste Market data MAT 52WK 13-May-2021

BSP UK Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Periodontitis

The European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) engaged a group of International experts to systematically reviewed evidence from clinical studies to create clinical guidelines for the treatment of periodontitis (gum disease).

The British Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry (BSP) has moved rapidly to take the European document and develop a British version of the guidelines, making sure they were suitable for the UK healthcare system. The paper is published today in the Journal of Dentistry: https://authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S0300-5712(20)30310-9

This is an incredibly important project. Poor gum health can lead to tooth loss and affect other systemic health issues, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and dementia. It was wonderful that European experts came together to look at the 4 main phases of periodontal disease management with a view to creating clear guidelines for all.

The BSP has been kindly supported by GSK to record several educational videos and produce flowchart resources to help dental care professionals to implement the guidelines in clinical practice. By creating a series of short video clips, to be shared via social media and our website, we can help to spread the important educational message to the wider dental profession, patients and the public. We aim to distribute our clinical guideline flowchart to all dental practices in the UK to accompany their classification flow chart.

A lay version of the guidelines for the public and patients is also being produced. It was extremely important to the BSP to involve patients, who could present their important viewpoints in the workshops. They have also been involved in the process of creating a lay version of the guidelines.

This lay version will allow patients to empower themselves with evidence-based information to both take responsibility for aspects of their disease management and know that they are being offered appropriate, contemporary, evidence-based treatment.

In addition, the BSP has created a lay flowchart, which conveys the importance of gum health in a simplified, informative way. Our aim in creating resources for patients and the public include:

  • Help the public understand what gum disease is
  • Raise awareness of how you can look after your gums and maintain good oral health
  • Reduce the stigma associated with gum disease (as highlighted in “The Sound of Periodontitis” video) by identifying the many causes including smoking, diabetes etc.
  • Highlight that more can be done to aid gum health in addition to brushing your teeth
  • Encourage the patient to take ownership of their disease and highlight the ways they can do this

Project leads:

Professor Moritz Kebschull

Professor Nicola West

About the BSP

The British Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry was founded in 1949 to promote public and professional awareness of periodontology and implant dentistry to achieve our vision of “Periodontal Health for a Better Life”.

We enjoy research, debate and actively getting involved in issues that affect members and our work. We are keen promoters of periodontology and dental implantology and are working hard, through various initiatives, to significantly raise awareness to the public, patients, dental and medical professionals. One of our strategic aims is to work with key stakeholders and influence national and international policy makers to promote periodontal health.

To reflect our commitment to progression and innovation, the BSP awards prizes for research into periodontology – both for undergraduate and postgraduate students – on an annual basis. https://www.bsperio.org.uk/professionals/awards

The BSP hosts one key Conference every year. These are popular, content-rich, excellent networking events with high profile speakers covering a huge range of topics. We also have an educational webinar programme covering a range of topics for members and non-members. https://www.bsperio.org.uk/events/bsp-event-calendar

We have Undergraduate Representatives in all UK dental and hygiene/therapy school. In addition, we have a dedicated Early Careers Group, which is an energetic part of the BSP, helping to support young periodontists at the start of their specialist career. https://www.bsperio.org.uk/early-career-group

GSK Health Partner showcases how UK dentistry is rising to the challenge

A new campaign by GSK aims to showcase how dental practices and professionals across the UK have risen to the challenges of effective patient care during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the video series, GSK showcases the resilience, passion and adaptability of the dental profession as it responds to new guidelines as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The videos are delivered by practitioners who have made small but imaginative changes to help patients to improve their dental health. Five voices, three videos, one goal: to share learnings and inspire better oral health. These videos can be viewed on: https://www.gskhealthpartner.com/en-gb/dentistry-innovation-rising-challenge/.

The series includes advice from Stuart Garton, a Practice Owner from Liverpool on seizing opportunities to embrace innovation, rethink practice and transform the patient experience. Additional content includes help with behaviour change and how the profession is coming together to evolve dental care including the role of new guidelines as a catalyst for innovation, inspiration and collaboration.

Andrei Gutierrez, Senior Expert Marketing Manager at GSK comments: “We hope that this series of videos can help to raise the profile of the continued dedication and commitment of the dental team during this challenging time and provide inspiration to other dental care professionals about how guidelines have become a catalyst for innovation, inspiration and collaboration. As Covid-19 restrictions continue across the world, the message of prevention of oral disease is more important than ever”.

Leading oral health organisations team up with GSK to provide toothpaste to the vulnerable of Manchester

The Oral Health Foundation and the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy have teamed up with GSK to provide over 100,000 tubes of Sensodyne toothpaste to the vulnerable and those in need in Greater Manchester.

This mammoth community effort, facilitated by Manchester based charity Community 4X4, will see toothpaste distributed to places all over Greater Manchester. Those that will be receiving the toothpastes include homeless people, residents in care homes, people who use foodbanks and those who don’t have easy access to dental products or whom may have limited financial resources.

Talking about the impact that this donation will have, Emma Hall-Scullin, consultant dental public health, Public Health England North West, said: “Greater Manchester has some of the highest levels of tooth decay in the country and this is one of the many initiatives being undertaken to address this. Twice- daily toothbrushing is extremely important to maintain oral health and prevent tooth decay.”

Dr Ben Atkins, President of the Oral Health Foundation, hopes this donation will go far in boosting the oral health of those in Manchester who otherwise might be struggling during this difficult time: “It’s vital that oral health is maintained, not just for health of the mouth but also for mental health as well. We hope that this donation of Sensodyne toothpaste will allow those that receive them to get all the benefits that come with healthy teeth and gums and put a smile on their face.”

President of the BDSHT, Diane Rochford, added: “On behalf of the BSDHT I’d like to thank GSK for their generous donation. These toothpaste samples will make a huge difference to those in need and reinforce the fact that these items are a necessity, not just a luxury for those more fortunate.”

Of course, the donation would not have been possible if it weren’t for GSK, a spokesperson for the organisation said: “We are really pleased to help support the communities of Greater Manchester with this toothpaste donation, in a year where there have been significant limitations to dental service delivery.”

The Oral Health Foundation would also like to extend a special thanks to Singletons Transport who kindly offered their services for free to help deliver the toothpastes.

As commented on earlier, this year has indeed provided a number of challenges for the dental profession and the public alike. The Oral Health Foundation is committed to supporting the public with their oral health during this difficult time which is why we continue to run our Dental Helpline. The Helpline has helped hundreds of thousands of callers with their oral health problems and queries. It is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and can be reached on 01788 539780.

For more information about the Dental Helpline as well as the Oral Health Foundation’s wider activities head to www.dentalhealth.org.

Campaign launched by leading dental bodies to drive ETW screenings as part of routine oral exams

Leaders of the Erosive Tooth Wear Foundation, Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK), British Society of Dental Hygienists and Therapists, Dental Protection Society, and King’s College London have announced the launch of a joint campaign in partnership with GSK, the makers of Pronamel, to drive awareness of erosive tooth wear (ETW). 

Despite being the third most commonly observed oral condition, affecting up to 30% of European adults, and not requiring a drill to fix, UK research shows that ETW is currently not routinely screened or monitored as part of the standard dental examination. 

These leading experts are calling on the dental profession to use the basic erosive wear examination (BEWE) alongside the basic periodontal examination (BPE) as part of every oral assessment to prompt early identification and prevention. As it follows the same sextant approach as the BPE, BEWE can be conducted at the same time, therefore requiring little additional clinical time. 

Although the condition may have a slow rate of progression, the impact on aesthetics and function, as well as the financial implication of restoration, can be significant. According to a study by O’Toole et al., costs could be up to £31,000 for private treatment and the average treatment took 21 months. 

Reports show that the rise in snacking culture and the popularity of fresh fruit and fruit juices has significantly increased the risk of developing ETW, especially when they are consumed outside of meals. Odds ratios for example increase nearly 12-fold when acidic drinks are consumed on two occasions outside of meals, highlighting how modern diets and lifestyles have a substantial role to play. 

Dr Soha Dattani, Director of Scientific Affairs at GSK, commented: “Our modern snacking culture, coupled with an ageing population who retain their teeth for longer, means that ETW is a rapidly increasing risk. As ETW may have considerable aesthetic, functional and financial implications, there is a need to protect the patient and the professional through early identification and patient counselling for prevention. 

“To tackle the issue head on, we’ve gathered the UK’s leading dental bodies to jointly highlight the effects of ETW and the need to change the way we as a profession approach it. As a healthcare company committed to helping patients to do more and live better, GSK is proud to support and be involved with this important initiative and to lead the way on tackling ETW for current and future patients.” 

Reiterating just how common ETW is, Professor David Bartlett, Head of Prosthodontics and Graduate Training at King’s College London’s Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, added that its prevalence is increasing. “The BEWE was designed specifically for use in general practice, it is a simple tool, which can be used alongside the BPE, to help screen for signs of the condition and prompt preventative discussions with patient,” he explained. 

“The BEWE is a quick, simple and effective way to assess tooth wear and could undoubtedly benefit both patients and practitioners,” noted Ian Mills, Dean of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK). “Our profession is committed to delivering excellence in patient care. Modern lifestyles and eating habits present a range of challenges including the potential rise in ETW. Just as we do with caries and gum disease, we need to ensure that ETW is routinely monitored and patients are informed.” 

Nairn Wilson, Emeritus Professor of Dentistry, King’s College London and Chair, Board of the College of General Dentistry, explained how it is important that all practitioners are up to date on the condition and are assessing patients for signs and risk factors. “For more established practitioners this may mean a need to change well-established examination routines and update knowledge to prevent any future risk of claims of supervised neglect.” 

Dr Saoirse O’Toole, Clinical Lecturer in Prosthodontics at King’s College London’s Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, meanwhile highlighted how Patients are often referred to the hospital for treatment “It is because early signs may not have been identified and changes to behaviour have not been discussed with patients. Simple advice, such as limiting the number of acidic drinks you have and switching when you have them to mealtimes may make a real difference in reducing patient risk.” 

Diane Rochford, President Elect of the British Society of Dental Hygienists and Therapists, agreed: “As a profession, dental hygienists and dental therapists are traditionally identifying patients with adequate plaque control as an indicator of optimal oral health. We need to raise awareness that this is an exception, ETW generally occurs in patients who maintain optimal plaque control on a daily basis. Routine use of the BEWE alongside the BPE can efficiently and effectively identify patients at risk.” 

“It is important to record signs of tooth wear as part of the hard tissues examination and to monitor the rate of progression,” argued Dr Raj Rattan, Dental Director at Dental Protection. “From a dento-legal point of view, the records should also indicate the preventative advice offered and the patient’s compliance with that advice. The value of comprehensive clinical records in defending dental claims cannot be overstated.’ 

ETW becomes even more critical as many of us retain our natural teeth later in life, according to Nigel Pitts, Professor of Dental Health and Academic Lead for Impact at King’s College London’s Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences. ““With more people retaining their natural teeth later in life it is critical that prevention and control of potentially destructive conditions such as ETW is prioritised.” 

Comprehensive educational resources for both the clinician and patient to support this campaign are available via the Erosive Tooth Wear Foundation website https://www.erosivetoothwear.com and www.gskhealthpartner.com. 

Toothbrushes and toothpaste to help families in need

Thousands of toothbrushes and toothpaste are being given to children and adults, thanks to Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust and pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

The trust, which provides community services in Kent, London and East Sussex, normally gives out around 800 of its brush for life kits a month, which include a toothbrush, a toothpaste and a leaflet about oral health.

However, at the beginning of the UK lockdown its supplies of toothpaste dried up –  and at the same time demand for the packs went up hugely, with families losing incomes or having to get by, with less.

But thanks to the collaboration, Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) has now been able to hand out 5,045 packs since May, working closely with food banks and the Salvation Army on the distribution, so the packs get to those who need a little extra help, now.

KCHFT puts the packs together and buys the toothbrushes. The toothpaste is being donated by GSK.

Surjeet Jhheent, Senior Project Co-ordinator with KCHFT’s Dental Outreach Team in London, said: “Previously, I had worked with GSK on a clinical trial, so I approached my contact there and discovered it was happy to help. This was a great weight off my mind, as we were unable to get the toothpaste from our usual supplier. So far, the company has given us 8,000 tubes of toothpaste, some for adults and some for children and they are continuing to help, which is fantastic. We took delivery of the first round last week. When families are struggling with money, obviously food is a necessity, but so is oral health. Unfortunately, when times are hard this often gets pushed down the list of priorities. With these supplies we can help to make sure this is something people think about.

“As most of our dental services were suspended at the beginning of the lockdown, our Outreach Team has been busy putting the packs together, ready to send out, practising social distancing and with masks, gloves and hand sanitiser to hand. We’re very grateful for this help from GSK.”

Pictured is the outreach team’s head driver Graham Peek making a delivery to Hackney Food Bank.