Oral Health

Good oral health is an essential foundation for overall wellbeing. A healthy mouth supports eating, speaking and social interaction, and helps people feel confident and comfortable in daily life. It also plays a crucial role in preventing wider health problems, as the condition of the mouth is closely linked with general physical and emotional health. When good oral hygiene is maintained, it protects against pain, infection and functional difficulties, contributing to better quality of life at every age. Strong oral health practices help individuals remain independent, reduce the need for urgent dental care, and support long‑term wellbeing.

However, when oral health is not maintained, people may develop conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancers. These diseases are a major public health concern and can affect individuals throughout their lives, often causing pain, discomfort and infection. Poor oral health can also lead to missed days from work and have significant impacts on mental health, self‑esteem and social engagement. The consequences extend beyond the mouth, affecting a person’s overall quality of life.

Many factors influence a person’s oral health — including lifestyle choices, deprivation, socio‑economic circumstances, age and their ability to care for their own mouth. Understanding these influences is key to helping people reduce their risk and improve long‑term outcomes.

Supporting good oral health is a lifelong and essential skill — one that can make a measurable, positive difference to a person’s whole‑body health and overall wellbeing.

This training session is designed for anyone who plays a role in supporting the oral health, hygiene or care of others — whether in a professional, community or family setting. It equips attendees with practical, evidence‑based knowledge to help them maintain their own oral health and confidently guide others towards healthier habits.

With increasing pressure on dental services and more people struggling to access routine dental care, the ability to recognise early signs of poor oral health and support people in caring for their mouths has never been more valuable. This session provides straightforward, actionable guidance that can make an immediate difference to the people you work with or care for.

Whether you support older adults, children, individuals with additional needs, or anyone who may require help with daily oral care, this training will strengthen your skills, enhance your confidence, and help you deliver better outcomes.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the session, attendees will have a deeper understanding of:

• Why maintaining a healthy mouth is vital for overall health and wellbeing
• How and why dental diseases develop, and how to reduce the risks
• Lifestyle factors and behaviours that influence oral health
• The connection between oral health and general health, including shared risks

• Why oral health awareness is becoming increasingly important across all ages and communities

   

There is no charge for this Training, except if there is failure to attend without giving notice, when a charge of £50 may be incurred. 

If for any reason you are unable to attend or no longer require the Training, please cancel your place on the course through our Training Portal or email phworkforcetraining@medway.gov.uk

as it allows another person to attend.