§ Mr. RichardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures are being taken to make children aware of the importance of oral hygiene.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe protocol for investment in health gain covering oral health issued in November 1992 contained many challenging targets to secure health gain in this area. One of the targets specifically aimed at children is that
670WFamily Health Service authorities and health authorities will by 1997 be able to report that at least 50 per cent. of children by the age of 5 have an understanding of basic oral health principles and at least 75 per cent. by 2002.This advice is being taken forward in the local strategies for health prepared jointly by those authorities in collaboration with others.The Health Promotion Authority for Wales is presently developing a health promotion resource entitled "Cledwyn's Castle" aimed at pre-school children. The package is currently being produced following extensive testing. One module of the programme covers dental health which includes oral hygiene. The authority has also held a symposium on dental health education in the national curriculum. A further symposium is expected to be held in the forthcoming financial year. These aim to ensure that consistent advice is given within the curriculum. A range of dental health promotion literature is available from the authority.
The Department is also providing financial support for Pembrokeshire NHS trust community dental service to carry out two pilot projects aimed at improving the oral health of children. The first aims to produce cross-curriculum health promotion materials in both English and Welsh for each attainment target group in primary education. The second project aims to produce materials which can be used in each season of the year in playgroups.