The 'Talking Teeth' initiative

Educational workshops

Our team, which is made up of current dental students and academic staff, visit local primary schools to deliver oral health workshops to pupils.

We focus on visiting schools in communities that are socioeconomically deprived, as the number of children experiencing dental caries in these areas is often higher.

We also deliver workshops at local events designed for refugees, asylum seekers, and those living in low socio-economic communities, to ensure as many children and families as possible have the knowledge and resources to prevent dental disease.

Widening participation into dentistry

University applicants from low socioeconomic backgrounds are far less likely to attend university, and are likely to earn less than their more privileged counterparts.

Our team want to help change this, so during our visits to local schools we run 'Careers camps', where our dental students:

• offer tops tips around applying to university
• talk about a day in the life  of a dental student
• inspire pupils to consider science-based careers

We hope that these camps will encourage as many young people as possible to consider a career in the dental professions, and view higher education as a viable and accessible opportunity.