Dental workshops aim to get to the root of problem
By Mary Dennehy
A SERIES of children’s dental workshops aim to get to the root of the problem and brighten up smiles in Tallaght through education.
A drive is currently underway to improve children’s dental health in Tallaght, after an Irish study found that 37 per cent of HSE dentists saw children every day with major dental problems – many of which are preventable.
Eugenie Kaybye and Paige Malone at ‘Smiley Eileey’ children’s dental health workshop at Brookview Childcare Services
In response to the national study, and due to the fact that there is currently no HSE dental hygienist covering Tallaght, the Childhood Development Initiative (CDI) has started a series of workshops.
According to CDI, which is based in Fettercairn, it has teamed up with a special children’s dental awareness programme called Smiley Eileey.
The awareness programme involves dental health promotion workshops in local childcare facilities to educate parents and show children how to care for their teeth correctly.
The children also receive a goody bag with toothpaste and a toothbrush.
The first Smiley Eileey workshop was held at Brookview Childcare Services centre, with further workshops scheduled in other childcare facilities.
According to CDI’s Parenting Specialist Celine Moran, the workshops are “both informative and good fun for parents and their young children.
“I encourage children and parents to take part”.
For further information contact Celine at CDI on 4940030 or visit www.cdi.ie.
