Something to smile about

The Happy Smiles Club was set up in 2016 by John G Plummer and Associates Dental Surgeons where our mission is to improve awareness of the importance of good oral health. We offer personalised appointments in house and visit local schools and community groups to deliver educational talks. To date we have spoken to over 40,000 children alone.

In May 2022 West Earlham Infant School in Norwich reached out to us after staff members became concerned about the number of pupils missing school and suffering from toothache. We held a pilot screening session where 180 pupils were checked for decay. Worryingly, 48 per cent had caries and 52 per cent had never seen a dentist before. The children were each offered registration and follow up appointments for treatment and the school fed back that attendance has significantly improved. This was a one off project but it made us think - if we can’t see children in practice let’s go to the children!