The NKS Oral Health Project took a preventative and early intervention approach to improve oral health among South Asian families with young children and families facing challenges to improve their general and oral health. The families experiencing disadvantage at different levels living in deprived areas were specially targeted.   With a mailing list of 1200 South Asians NKS reached families facing challenges and engaged them in educational activities for changed behaviour.

The project began by identifying the baseline for the families through a short survey with 70 families.  The project had three dimensions to ensure all-inclusive approach to learning and adapting to a healthier lifestyle:

1. Promoting better oral health hygiene among pre-school children in the NKS Nursery and among children in the After School/Homework Club.
2. Training early years and other staff team along with volunteers to provide Child Smile Programme to children and their parents.
3. Working closely with hard to reach families and families of young children and other adults to build capacity and to promote improved oral health behaviour.

The programme of activities provided included:

–Networking with relevant agencies.

– Childsmile Education Programme encouraging children to improve their oral health hygiene by learning how to brush their teeth through teeth brushing sessions, through role fun activities that included oral health corner in the nursery room.

– Organising training for the NKS staff teams to work with children and their families to promote improved oral health behaviours.

– Outreaching hidden communities and promote healthy eating and healthier lifestyle choices.

– Provide educational sessions to South Asian families to learn about good oral health hygiene.

– Support one on one; the disadvantaged families living in deprived areas to access advice and care services.