AN INITIATIVE to free Scots children from dental decay was launched at a Fife primary school yesterday.

Public health minister Shona Robison was in Methilhill to launch the early intervention project, which will see dental care teams visiting primary schools to deliver oral health promotion and health education messages.

One of the key components is the application of a fluoride varnish to youngsters’ teeth to protect them from decay.

Known as Childsmile School, it follows a similar nursery-based initiative launched in March. It will expand to schools in Tayside and the Borders early next year before being rolled out across the nation.

Ms Robison said, “For the first time, specially trained dental nurses will be going into schools and providing clinical care to children.

“Childsmile School will also deliver a range of preventative care interventions for children in primary one and two to reduce the risk of dental decay.”

Data published in February shows that 53% of Scots primary seven children are free from dental decay.

While this is an improvement on previous figures, it is hoped initiatives such as Childsmile will help the Scottish Government reach its target figure of 60%.

Children who enrol in the Childsmile programme will initially be offered twice-yearly applications of fluoride varnish which is painted on to their teeth by specially trained clinical dental nurse teams.

As the programme progresses other preventive treatments will be available, including fissure sealants— protective plastic coatings on children’s teeth.

Every child who requires dental care will be offered it, either in mobile dental units or in local dental clinics.

The launch was welcomed by Central Fife MSP Tricia Marwick, who said, “The minister is well aware of the difficulties we have in Fife with a lack of dental services.

“This new scheme will help prevent youngsters from developing dental health problems and will ensure those that do will have access to a dentist.”