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Oral Health

We believe that everybody deserves a healthy smile.

A person’s oral health is a crucial part of their overall wellbeing. Our teeth have such an important role to play by helping us to speak clearly, eat our food and give our face shape.

Having a healthy smile gives us confidence in how we look and feel, and this in turn influences our:

  • social lives
  • careers
  • relationships

A smile is a great asset and has so many life changing benefits. That’s why it makes sense to give it the best care possible.

 Everyone can have healthy smile by following our three key Oral Health messages:

  • Brush teeth for two minutes, last thing at night and one other time during the day, with a fluoride toothpaste.
  • Cut down how much and how often you have sugary foods and drinks.
  • Visit a dentist regularly.

Oral Health Improvement (OHI) Team

Our team aim to bring about positive changes in oral health. We work in collaboration with the Childsmile Team and the Public Dental Service to provide the best possible oral health care and advice.

We cover the whole of Ayrshire and Arran, offering:

  • oral health information and advice
  • signposting to dental service
  • oral health talks
  • oral health training packages
  • lending of oral health resources

The team also offer oral health promotional stalls for business and community events.

For more information, please contact the Oral Health Improvement (OHI) Team:

For the latest information on our services, please download the NHS Ayrshire & Arran app, then search within the app for ‘Dental’:

Oral health training packages

Our training packages are aimed at individuals who work in a range of sectors, including health, social care and voluntary organisations.

The courses offered are free to attend. They will support you to raise awareness, increase knowledge and confidence of oral health and issues related to oral health.

View our oral health training brochure for more information.

Health Information & Resources Service

The OHI team offer a wide range of oral health resources. These can be borrowed for free from the Health Information and Resources Service at Afton House.

View our oral health resources brochure for more details.

Childsmile

Good oral health in childhood means healthy teeth and gums throughout life. Childsmile is working to ensure all children, regardless of income or background, have the best possible start.  This website also provides information for professionals.

NHS General Dental Service

NHS General Dental Services (GDS) are provided by dentists working in their own dental practices.  These dentists are self-employed and contracted by their local NHS Board to provide NHS general dental care and treatment. They can also provide some private treatments not available on the NHS.

NHS Public Dental Services

NHS Public Dental Services (PDS) are provided by dentists employed by the NHS Board. These dentists provide specialist NHS dental care and treatment on referral from General Dental Service dentists and other healthcare professionals. They cannot provide private treatments. Visit our Dental Services page for further information.

Dental Treatments

Whether a person has natural teeth, dentures, or no teeth, they should still see a dentist at least once a year. Visit our Dental Services page for further information about treatments.

Please provide any feedback or comments on this page to OralHealthImprovementTeam@aapct.scot.nhs.uk