Victoria – BrightBites volunteer

I have worked in the dental industry since 2010 where I started as a trainee Dental Nurse, getting my National Diploma in Dental Nursing in 2012 and have been at the same practice ever since.  

I first heard about BrightBites through an email from The British Association of Dental Nurses. It is something that has always interested me but my fear of public speaking has always held me back. I knew I wanted to be a part of this programme so I plucked up the courage and registered to volunteer.

My first session was at my friend’s preschool in April this year, to ease me in to delivering the sessions. I loved doing it.

My friend Natasha who is a dental technician, offered to help me so she registered as a volunteer. Since April we have visited three preschools or childcare settings and three schools between us, which is over 500 children so far.

The best thing about being a BrightBites oral health educator is being able to pass on the knowledge and experience I have and help kids develop habits that will benefit them for their lifetime. Being in the dental industry and seeing the decay rate in children first-hand, I am glad I have found this programme so that I can help make a difference and deliver the education around oral health. It’s so rewarding when you see the children’s willingness to learn, their engagement in the presentations and the thank you’s you get at the end.

The resources BrightBites provide are amazing and all the schools are so grateful to receive these. The children get very excited when they see that they take a toothbrush, toothpaste and leaflet home.

A moment I felt I had made a difference during a session was when discussing how much sugar is in certain drinks, I heard a child say “I am never drinking that again”. It was good to hear we have made children aware of how much sugar is in certain drinks and the effect this can have on your oral health as well as your general health.

I have noticed an immediate impact on the children and also the teachers when delivering certain information. The main thing the children and teachers are surprised and pleased to learn is waiting at least 20-30 minutes after eating to brush your teeth, also not rinsing after brushing. I had a mum stopped me in the street to let me know her son went home and told her that he had to wait at least 30 minutes after eating to brush his teeth – that was so nice to hear.

I have had some children say to me that they have never been to the dentist, even as old as seven or eight. One girl asked me questions as she had never been. I asked if an adult could take her to the dentist. I’m hoping delivering the BrightBites session has helped her with the knowledge she needs regarding oral health.

I think oral health education is important for children because we need to work on prevention, a lot of children come into the dentist with holes in their teeth which is then too late. The education surrounding oral health is very limited so supporting the BrightBites programme is very important. It is at no cost the schools which I think is brilliant as it is then available to any childcare or school setting.

If you are thinking of volunteering, please do, you will be making such a difference!