The first team of people with learning disabilities to take part in a pioneering dental ambassador scheme passed with flying colours.
Six people from Plymouth People First who have learning disabilities a programme of training conceived and provided by the Community Engagement Team at the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE).
The programme is the first in the UK to provide people with a learning disability with the understanding, awareness and confidence to help their peers to adopt better oral hygiene and make regular visits to the dentist.
The first team of people to complete the course spent six weeks with dental experts from the PDSE. Each week they built on their experiences using a wide range of different resources, from role play, creating storyboards, visits to the Dental Education Facility in Devonport in Plymouth and quizzes. One dental ambassador used Makaton, a system of signs and symbols, as an aid to better communication.
The training culminated with a presentation from the dental ambassadors on diet, tooth brushing and how to access dental care. Each dental ambassador received a certificate and an oral health pack, and they are now using their skills to promote good dental hygiene and care to their peers.