Action for Sick Children is the UK’s leading children’s healthcare charity. Since its inception over fifty years ago ASC has campaigned tirelessly for improvements to the welfare of young patients in hospitals and in the community, continually highlighting the psycho-social needs of sick children and emphasising the importance of a child-centered approach to all providers of healthcare for children.
The work of the charity includes research, education and training, standard setting and the dissemination of information to sick children and their families. Our expertise and commitment to the attainment of the highest standards in all aspects of child and adolescent healthcare is widely recognised by government, royal colleges and professional bodies.
In recent years an area of growing concern to ASC has been the state of the dental health of children. Members have become increasingly alarmed by the poor dental health statistics and also the difficulties some parents are finding in accessing appropriate dental care for their children. This has prompted ASC to look at the whole issue of children’s dental care and to how we can contribute positively towards this important area of children’s health, as poor dental care can cause ill health.
ACTION FOR SICK CHILDREN – DENTAL PLAYBOX PROJECT
This was a unique and innovative education project, aimed at pre-school and primary aged children. It provides children, parents and professionals the opportunity to discuss oral health, dental hygiene and a visit to the dentist in a relaxed and informal manner. The aim of the project is to educate and prepare children through play, about the importance of dental health and for a visit to the dentist; encouraging them to take better care of their own teeth and also to reduce the stress and anxiety for when they do need to go to the dentist for treatment.
The Dental Playbox contains safe dental equipment, mini uniforms, educational books and toys about the dentist. It comes complete with teacher’s notes and information for parents and carers. The Dental Playbox will be available on loan to pre-schools, school groups, primary schools, school nurses and child minders.