Comments on recent community water fluoridation studies.

Water fluoridation is a public health measure to reduce levels of dental caries in populations. A report of the recently completed CATFISH study has been published. This was the first UK evaluation of fluoridation introduction for many years; it was carefully designed and executed and is welcomed.

Experiences of newly qualified dentists in delivering oral health advice to parents/caregivers of young children-challenges and solutions.

Introduction: A key skill for dental professionals to master is their ability to have effective preventive oral health conversations. On qualifying, UK dentists undertake a one-year foundation training programme in general practice. This study explored with Foundation Dentists, the barriers and facilitators to undertaking oral health conversations with parents/caregivers and their children, aged 0-11 years old.

The in-practice prevention programme: an example of flexible commissioning from Yorkshire and the Humber.

Introduction An In-Practice Prevention (IPP) programme was developed by the Local Dental Network in the North Yorkshire and the Humber area in England in response to an oral health needs assessment. The underpinning logic model drew on a flexible commissioning approach and aimed to incentivise dental teams with NHS contracts to promote the delivery of prevention. This used care pathways that involved the whole dental team and was cost-neutral.

A Local Dental Network Approach to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Innovation Through Collaboration.

Structure: We present the principles for selecting and initiating hubs, the integration with secondary care services and the supply of personal protective equipment.

Process: The main elements are communication, the development of referral processes to manage complex cases and data collection.

Outcome: Through work with local dental stakeholders, 23 clusters and 36 hubs were set up covering a large geographical area.

Water fluoridation: current challenges.

Dental extraction for caries is the most common reason for children aged 6-10 years to be admitted to hospital. Community Water Fluoridation (CWF) is safe and effective at reducing dental caries. It is most effective where there is more deprivation.