Oral Health Curriculum

Using the Dental Buddy Scheme – Oral Health Foundation

Intent

At our school, we recognise that good oral health is a vital part of children's overall wellbeing, health education and safeguarding. Through the Oral Health Foundation Dental Buddy programme, pupils develop the knowledge, understanding and habits required to maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout their lives.

The programme aims to:

• Develop pupils’ scientific understanding of the human body, particularly teeth and digestion.
• Promote healthy lifestyle choices, including diet and hygiene.
• Reduce inequalities by ensuring all children understand how to care for their teeth effectively.
• Encourage positive attitudes towards visiting the dentist.
• Support safeguarding in EYFS by promoting personal health, hygiene and self-care.

The curriculum is carefully sequenced across EYFS, KS1 and KS2, with three sessions per year group delivered through the Dental Buddy scheme. Learning builds progressively from understanding why we have teeth, to exploring tooth structure, hygiene and the impact of sugar on dental health.

Where possible, learning is enriched through real-life experiences, including visits from dental professionals. In EYFS, one session is delivered by a practising dentist who provides resources such as toothbrushes and sand timers to support children in developing effective brushing routines.

The programme is cross-curricular and supports Science National Curriculum objectives, particularly those related to the human body, animals including humans, and healthy lifestyles.

Implementation

Oral health education is delivered through the Dental Buddy scheme with three structured sessions per year group across the academic year. Lessons are practical, discussion-based and supported by high-quality resources.

Learning is linked to Science, PSHE and Health Education.

EYFS

Oral health learning supports Understanding the World and Personal, Social and Emotional Development, focusing on hygiene, self-care and healthy choices.

Key Stage 1 

Learning links to the Science National Curriculum – Animals including Humans, particularly understanding diet, health and the human body. 

Key Stage 2 

Learning links strongly to Science: Animals including Humans, particularly digestive systems and the role of teeth.

Impact

The impact of the Dental Buddy programme can be seen through pupils’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards oral health.

Pupils will:

• Understand why teeth are important and how they function.
• Know how to brush their teeth correctly and why brushing matters.
• Understand the impact of sugar and diet on dental health.
• Feel confident about visiting the dentist.
• Develop lifelong habits that support good oral hygiene.

Evidence of impact includes:

• Pupil voice demonstrating understanding of dental health.
• Improved knowledge of healthy diets and hygiene routines.
• Increased confidence discussing dental care.
• Engagement in practical science learning linked to the human body.
• Strong links between science, health education and real-world application.

Through the Dental Buddy programme, pupils leave primary school equipped with the knowledge and habits needed to maintain healthy teeth and positive attitudes towards dental care throughout their lives.