A drive is underway to improve kids dental health in Tallaght, after research has shown that many children have poor dental health. Furthermore, there is currently no HSE Dental Hygienist covering the Tallaght area – so the Childhood Development Initiative (CDI) has teamed up with a special children’s dental awareness programme called ‘Smiley Eileey’. The awareness drive involves dental health promotion workshops in local childcare facilities to educate parents and show children how to care for their teeth correctly. The children also receive a goody bag with toothpaste and a toothbrush. The first Smiley Eileey workshop was held at Brookview Childcare Services centre and further workshops are underway in other childcare facilities.
A Irish study in 2018 found that 37% of HSE dentists saw children every day with major dental problems which were preventable should have been recognised much earlier. Poor dental health is closely linked to social disadvantage. CDI’s Parenting Specialist Celine Moran said the workshops are “both informative and good fun for parents and their young children. I encourage children and parents to take part”. See www.cdi.ie for more information.
