title: Evaluation of a pilot oral health promotion programme 'Keep Smiling': perspectives from GDPs, health champions and school staff.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate a pilot oral health promotion programme (fluoride varnish and tooth brushing), targeting 3-7-year-olds in primary schools in a deprived area of London.
  
  
  METHODS
  A pilot programme was conducted among five primary schools targeting 3-7-year-old children in a deprived area of London. The programme consisted of a fluoride varnish application and tooth brushing sessions. Outcome (participation rates) and process evaluations were carried out using semi-structured interviews with school staff, health champions and dentists.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, 79.2% of the targeted children participated in tooth brushing and 68.6% of children received fluoride varnish. The programme received positive feedback from school staff, dental teams and health champions. It raised awareness of dental health among all stakeholders and provided children with a unique experience, creating a positive image of dental teams.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Community engagement and collaboration between health, education and the voluntary sector is feasible and integral in developing oral health promotion programmes aimed at children attending primary schools in a deprived area of London.
authors.affiliation: Dental Public Health, 151 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9SZ.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yusuf
authors.affiliation: Dental Public Health, Public Health England, 151 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9SZ.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.affiliation: Tri-Borough Public Health Service, Westminster City Council, 3rd Floor West, City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Robertson
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019140:Dental Care for Children / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D009909:Oral Health; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration