- 10/06/2013
- Posted by: Mike Hedges MS
- Categories: Latest News, Press Releases
Swansea East AM Mike Hedges has today praised the efforts of pupils at Blaenymaes Primary School after the school achieved a prestigious award under the Welsh Government’s innovative “Designed to Smile” programme.
Earlier today, the local AM visited the visited the school with members of the local health board to present pupils with a Gold Standard Award in recognition of their achievement, which involved pupils brushing their teeth twice daily.
The “Designed to Smile” scheme, which is delivered by the Community Dental Service in conjunction with local health boards (LHBs), encourages pupils to brush their teeth daily with a fluoride toothpaste to reduce the levels of tooth decay, and also offers a number of free services and dental treatments for children in a school and nursery setting.
The programme also promotes the importance of good oral hygiene and works towards reducing the gap between the oral health of children from the most deprived and the least deprived communities in Wales.
Speaking from Blaenymaes Primary School, local AM Mike Hedges said:
“Since its launch in early 2009, the Welsh Government’s Designed to Smile scheme has been an overwhelming success in teaching our children the value and importance of good oral hygiene.
“It’s essential that children are taught about looking after their teeth from an early age, so that they will develop good habits that will continue with them into adulthood.”
Commenting on Blaenymaes’ Gold Standard Award, Mike Hedges said:
“I’d like to congratulate all pupils at Blaenymaes Primary School for their efforts in achieving a Gold Standard Award under the scheme. This is an outstanding achievement that everyone involved in the school should be proud of.”
