Newcastle University

Between February and July 2013 the third year dental students undertook valuable project work in and around Newcastle involving the promotion of good oral health in various community-based settings.

The students worked in small groups and visited libraries, primary schools, senior schools, mother and toddler groups, elderly day-care centres and drop-in centres (to name but a few destinations!). After liaising with their community groups the students planned and produced their own oral health promotion resources and undertook a series of visits aimed at providing information, advice and oral health care products for their clients; visiting their groups on several occasions.  

The learning experience culminated in each group presenting and discussing their experiences and challenges to a varied audience including representatives from the community groups, consultants in public health, NHS service managers, academics and peers.

These activities were coordinated by Debora Howe and thanks from the school is extended to all the community groups who kindly agreed to be involved in our third years’ first foray into ‘health promotion in-action’!