Stakeholder engagement to improve the reach of supervised toothbrushing programmes in schools

On Tooth Ache Day, Dr Anwen Cope and Dr Emma Barnes developed this Medical Research Council (MRC) Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) funded project supporting stakeholder engagement to improve the reach of supervised toothbrushing programmes in schools.

This project supported stakeholder engagement to improve the reach of the supervised toothbrushing programme, Designed to Smile. Building on Cardiff University research underpinning the programme, it explored barriers to school participation and decision-making, aiming to strengthen delivery and reduce oral health inequalities.

Through interviews with education, health, and public health partners, the research identified barriers to participation and informed recommendations to strengthen delivery, reduce oral health inequalities, and support evidence-informed service improvement. Medical Research Council, UK Research and Innovation, and Cardiff University.

The project conducted 32 interviews with key stakeholders, including community dental service staff, teachers, school leaders, school nurses and public health specialists. School-based participants were drawn from a variety of participating and non-participating schools. A series of recommendations have been developed in collaboration with the national lead for Designed to Smile. Findings will be shared with the Designed to Smile Steering Group and Designed to Smile Staff at a national learning event later in 2026.

IAA funding enabled focused stakeholder engagement and analysis to address a live national policy challenge. It supported evidence generation at the point of programme delivery, strengthened relationships with education and health partners, and embedded Cardiff University expertise within the Designed to Smile Steering Group, creating a clear route for evidence-informed service improvement.