Children's oral health and the role of fluoride

Due to the scope of practice changing in 2009, dental nurses can take more of a patient-centred approach, with opportunities to develop their knowledge further in clinical extended duties, (Macleavy, 2013). Therefore, this article will discuss the use of the extended duties dental nurse (EDDN) in the application of oral health education and fluoride for children within the community dental setting – as well as the importance of good communication skills and evidence-based practice.

Dental caries is the most common oral disease affecting children and young people in England, yet it is largely preventable. According to Public Health England, almost a third of five year olds and 12% of three year olds have experienced tooth decay. Sadly, dental decay is the top cause of childhood hospital admission and costing the hospital trust an average of £35 million on tooth extractions for under 18s a year, (Public Health England, 2016).