School and Community Programmes

School and Community Programmes relate to P 3.4*. For dental nurses this means being able to support patients and colleagues safely while working within scope.

Prevention at community level includes universal measures for the whole population and targeted actions for groups at higher risk. DBOH and NICE guidance cover fluoride, diet, oral hygiene, smoking, alcohol and other common risk factors.

What to notice in practice

• Supervised brushing: ask what the patient or colleague needs next, then hand over or escalate clearly.
• School programmes: ask what the patient or colleague needs next, then hand over or escalate clearly.
• Care homes: help information reach the right service or colleague at the right time.
• Community advice: look beyond the single appointment to wider factors shaping oral health or access.
• Outreach: ask what the patient or colleague needs next, then hand over or escalate clearly.

The dental nurse should know why these approaches are used, reinforce agreed messages and help the team avoid unsupported advice or interventions that worsen inequalities by only reaching the easiest-to-reach patients.

Good practice is practical and visible: prepare, listen to patients and colleagues, check understanding, hand over clearly, and report recurring problems. These actions turn the SPF outcome into safer everyday practice.

Research and system context

Evidence-based prevention should be effective, acceptable, proportionate and fair.