AM welcomes extra dental help for children in Wrexham

Children in areas of Wrexham, will be brushing up on their teeth-cleaning skills thanks to an expanded Welsh Assembly Government scheme, says the town's AM.

Lesley Griffiths has welcomed the 'Designed to Smile' scheme, which is being brought to all Communities First areas in Wales by the end of 2010/11 after a successful pilot scheme in Caia Park.

Dental health support workers will be visiting schools to provide toothbrushes and toothpaste to school children along with oral health advice.

Part of this service is delivered via mobile dental health units that provide specialist preven ta tive care and treatment to schools.

Commenting, Lesley Griffiths AM said:

"It’s so important that children are taught from a young age about looking after their teeth.

"Hopefully this will mean they develop good habits that carry on into adulthood.

"I am delighted that the Caia Park pilot scheme is now going to be rolled out to other Communities First areas in Wales. The Welsh Assembly Government is investing in improving children’s health as part of its wider commitment to eradicate child poverty in areas like Queensway, Caia Park and Hightown."

"Designed to Smile" will also be extended from three to five-year-olds to include six and seven year old and a nursery-based programme for the youngest children under the age of three.