It’s International Nurses’ Day today and the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry is taking the opportunity to celebrate this important group of dental care professionals. In normal times, dental nurses are essential to patient care and to the organised running of clinics. In the time of the Covid-19 pandemic, many dental nurses around the country have been redeployed, showcasing their transferable skills.

NHS doctor, TV presenter, author and celebrity contestant on “Strictly Come Dancing”, Dr Ranj is the star of three new mini-videos unveiled today. Actor Gemma Oaten who rose to fame in TV soap Emmerdale supports Dr Ranj as the voice of sidekick SuperTooth. Part film, part fun animation, the aim of the videos is to give parents, carers and children the tips they need to keep teeth healthy. During the Covid-19 lockdown, dentists are only providing emergency treatment, which makes preventive advice on avoiding dental decay more important than ever.

The inspirational winner of BSPD’s 2020 Outstanding Innovation Award is Community Dental Officer Linzi Maybin for her Happy Teeth project. Based in Yorkshire and Humber, Happy Teeth is geared to building a brighter future for children with special educational needs (SEN) or children affected by the refugee crisis. Foundation dentists (new graduates in dentistry) are trained to go out with Linzi to special schools to teach and screen children’s teeth. Teachers and assistants in these settings are also trained in oral health so that good practice can be maintained after the visit.