Tooth decay is the most common reason young children are admitted to hospital in England, and it is almost entirely preventable. Early years settings are in the right place to help, and the EYFS requires you to. This course shows your team practical, evidence-based ways to build oral health into the day, from snack time and a toothbrushing routine to conversations with parents.
Why oral health matters in the early years
Long before a tooth needs removing, decay causes pain, broken sleep, missed sessions and difficulty eating and speaking. A child with toothache may refuse food, avoid talking or withdraw from play. Baby teeth matter too: they hold the space for adult teeth and are needed for chewing a varied diet and for clear speech.
Since 2021 the EYFS has required providers to promote the good oral health of the children in their care. It does not say how, so a large nursery, a pack-away preschool and a childminder can each choose an approach that fits. Ofsted may ask how you meet the duty, so you need to be able to describe what you do and why.
What’s in the course
- Why oral health mattersThe scale of the problem, what decay does to a young child, and why baby teeth matter.
- The EYFS oral health dutyWhat the framework asks, where it came from, and the different ways settings can meet it.
- Supervised toothbrushingSetting up and running a safe, hygienic scheme that children enjoy.
- Healthy eating and drinks for teethWhy how often sugar appears matters more than how much, tooth-friendly snacks and drinks, and bottles, cups and dummies.
- Inclusive oral healthReaching every child, including children with sensory needs and those at higher risk of decay.
- Working with parents and health servicesSimple messages for families, engaging without judgement, and signposting to NHS dental care.
- Assessment10 questions. Pass mark 80%.
What you’ll learn
- What the EYFS oral health requirement asks of your setting, and how to evidence it
- How to run supervised toothbrushing: named brushes stored apart, a smear of fluoride toothpaste for under-threes and a pea-sized amount for three to six-year-olds, two minutes, spit and don’t rinse
- Why sugar frequency drives decay, and how to keep sugar to mealtimes
- Why water and plain milk should be the everyday drinks
- When to move from bottles to a free-flow cup, and when to phase out dummies
- How to adapt brushing for children with sensory sensitivities or additional needs
- How to share oral health messages with families warmly and without judgement
- When to encourage a first dental visit and how to signpost NHS dental services
Who this course is for
- Practitioners in every room, since snack time and handovers are where the messages land
- Managers and room leaders deciding how the setting will meet the EYFS duty
- Staff setting up or running a supervised toothbrushing scheme
- Childminders
How it works
- OnlineStudy on any device and pick up where you left off.
- 6 short lessonsAbout 45 minutes in total.
- 10-question assessmentPass mark 80%. Resit as many times as you need.
- CertificateIssued when you pass. NFAQ accredited.
Training your team
Oral health works best when every adult gives the same message, so consider training the whole team. Choose the number of learners at checkout, with group rates from 3 learners, or get it as part of the Training Portal for £5 per learner per month. Related courses: Nutrition in Early Years (Level 2) and Fussy Eating and Positive Mealtimes.
Frequently asked questions
What does the EYFS say about oral health?
It requires providers to promote the good oral health of children attending the setting. It does not prescribe a method, so you choose the approach that fits your setting.
Do we have to run a toothbrushing scheme?
No. Supervised toothbrushing is one of the best-evidenced options, but you can also meet the duty through stories and play, tooth-friendly snacks and drinks, displays and working with parents. Most strong settings combine a few of these.
How much toothpaste should young children use?
A smear of fluoride toothpaste for children under three, and a pea-sized amount for children aged three to six. Children should spit out after brushing but not rinse, so the fluoride stays on their teeth.
When should a child first see a dentist?
As soon as their first teeth appear, and by their first birthday. NHS dental care is free for children.
What happens if I don’t pass the assessment?
You can resit it as many times as you need until you pass. Your certificate is issued as soon as you reach the 80% pass mark.
Will this help at Ofsted?
Ofsted may ask how you meet the oral health requirement. The course helps you explain your approach clearly, and the certificate goes on your staff training record.
