Open Wide and Step Inside Programme Continues to Improve Children’s Oral Health Across Devon
Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise’s Open Wide and Step Inside programme is continuing to make a positive difference to children’s oral health by bringing engaging, preventative education directly into primary schools across Devon.
During the 2025/26 academic year, the programme was delivered in 287 primary schools, helping thousands of children develop the knowledge and confidence to look after their teeth from an early age.
Oral health remains one of the most common yet preventable health issues affecting children in the UK. In areas such as Devon, many primary school children experience tooth decay at an early age, often due to limited access to dental education and preventive care. Poor oral health can lead to pain, missed school days, and reduced wellbeing. In 2025, almost 34,000 children and young people underwent hospital tooth extractions due to tooth decay, demonstrating the impact of poor oral health and the importance of prevention. Open Wide and Step Inside was developed by Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise to tackle these challenges through early intervention, education, and engagement within primary school settings.
Designed for primary-aged children, the evaluated oral health initiative introduces the basics of oral health to children through fun, age-appropriate sessions, helping children understand how and why to brush their teeth, the role of sugar in tooth decay, and the importance of regular dentist visits. The programme was developed in response to several recurring issues reported by schools, including high levels of tooth decay among young children, limited understanding of effective toothbrushing and diet, anxiety around visiting the dentist, and inequalities in access to oral health education. The programme brings engaging preventative education directly into a familiar school environment.
A key feature of the programme is the immersive “Open Wide & Step Inside” film, which introduces children to Geoffrey the Giant and Daisy the Dentist. It follows Geoffrey’s journey to see Daisy as he has toothache, and how he meets his friends on the way who all have important messages to give him regarding looking after his teeth. The story helps reduce anxiety around dental visits, familiarises children with key oral health messages, and encourages positive attitudes towards oral care in an engaging and memorable way.
Alongside the film, children are shown correct brushing techniques and introduced to healthy food choices, reinforcing preventative messages such as brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, spitting rather than rinsing after brushing, developing consistent routines, and limiting sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes.
The programme emphasises prevention, encouraging children to make healthier choices and understand the long-term benefits of good oral hygiene.
The programme is delivered by qualified health professionals within primary schools across Devon, ensuring accessibility for all children regardless of background. Through engaging sessions featuring visual aids, storytelling, and group activities, children learn key oral health messages. Teachers are also provided with resources to reinforce these messages beyond the sessions.
The Open Wide and Step Inside programme has demonstrated measurable benefits:
- Improved Knowledge: Children show increased understanding of oral health and hygiene practices
- Behaviour Change: Teachers report improved toothbrushing habits and awareness of healthy eating
- Reduced Anxiety: Children become more comfortable with the idea of visiting the dentist
- Wider Reach: The programme successfully engages children who may not regularly access dental services
By bringing learning directly into schools and creating positive, memorable experiences, Open Wide and Step Inside is helping to improve children’s oral health and reduce inequalities across Devon. The initiative continues to demonstrate how early, engaging, and accessible education can build healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Karen Burn, Outreach Team Lead at Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise, commented: “This initiative serves as a model for preventive health programmes that prioritise both education and experience to drive lasting change. Delivering the programme in schools allows us to reach children in an environment where they feel comfortable, engaged and ready to learn. Seeing children leave the sessions with a better understanding of how to care for their teeth and a more positive attitude towards visiting the dentist reinforces the value of early intervention. Group-based learning fosters peer engagement, encouraging children to support one another and creating a positive environment where healthy habits can flourish. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their enthusiasm during the sessions and know we’re helping to build lifelong healthy habits that can make a real difference to their future wellbeing.”
A teacher commented: “The session was engaging, informative, and delivered in a way that captured the children’s interest brilliantly. Pupils were well informed about the importance of good oral hygiene and were delighted to receive their toothbrushes, which helped reinforce key messages in a practical and memorable way. The visit was greatly appreciated and had a positive impact on our children.”
To find out more about the programme, or to discuss opportunities for your school, please contact dentaloutreach@plymouth.ac.uk. You can also find oral health guidance here.
