School Dental Visits in Thurrock: Supporting Children’s Oral Health
Updated: Sep 18
Elite Dental Studio has worked with participating schools in Thurrock to support children’s oral-health education and improve access to dental checks.
The programme is designed to identify children who may benefit from further dental care, provide parents with useful information and help pupils become more familiar with visiting a dental practice.
What Is the School Dental Programme?
The programme has included pupils in Reception and Year 3 at participating schools.
Depending on the arrangements agreed with each school, it may include:
Age-appropriate oral-health education
A “Lift the Lip” screening
A visit to Elite Dental Studio for a dental check-up
Information provided to parents or carers
Advice when further dental assessment or treatment is recommended
Participation requires the appropriate parental or carer consent. Schools and families receive information explaining what is planned before children take part.
What Is a “Lift the Lip” Screening?
A “Lift the Lip” screening is a brief visual check intended to identify visible signs that may require further attention.
It is not a complete dental examination and does not replace regular visits to a dentist. Its purpose is to help identify children who may benefit from a more detailed assessment.
Parents or carers should continue arranging routine dental care and seek advice if their child develops pain, swelling, dental trauma or another concern.
What Happens During a Practice Visit?
During a visit to Elite Dental Studio, children can become familiar with the dental environment in a supportive group setting.
A dental check-up may include an age-appropriate assessment of:
The teeth for visible signs of decay
The gums and soft tissues
Dental development
The child’s brushing and dietary habits
Any reported pain or other concerns
The experience also gives children an opportunity to meet the dental team and learn what normally happens during a check-up.
How Are Parents Informed?
When a concern is identified, information is provided to the parent or carer explaining that further assessment or treatment may be required.
The programme does not mean that treatment is carried out without consent. Parents remain responsible for deciding whether to arrange any recommended follow-up care.
Individual clinical information is handled confidentially and is not shared publicly.
Gateway Academy Visit
On 26 March 2025, 59 pupils from Gateway Academy attended Elite Dental Studio through the school programme.
Following their checks, 17 children were identified as requiring further treatment or assessment. Parents were informed so they could arrange the appropriate follow-up care.
These figures relate specifically to that visit and should not be interpreted as representing every school or child in Thurrock.
Why Can School Collaboration Help?
School collaboration can help by:
Reaching families who may not be attending regularly
Identifying possible problems before they cause significant symptoms
Providing practical brushing and dietary advice
Reducing uncertainty about visiting a dentist
Giving parents information about appropriate follow-up care
Supporting wider prevention work within the community
A school visit cannot guarantee that children will remain free from tooth decay. Daily care at home and continuing dental attendance remain essential.
Supporting Children at Home
Parents and carers can support children’s oral health by:
Brushing from the appearance of the first tooth
Using an age-appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste
Brushing last thing at night and on one other occasion each day
Supervising brushing until children can clean effectively
Keeping sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes
Offering water or plain milk as routine drinks
Arranging dental check-ups at the interval advised by the dentist
Children’s NHS Dental Care at Elite Dental Studio
Elite Dental Studio accepts new NHS patients under 17.
Families can contact the practice directly to ask about registering a child or arranging an appointment. Participation in a school visit is not required to access children’s NHS dental care, subject to current availability.
Information for Schools and Parents
Schools interested in discussing future participation can contact Elite Dental Studio for information about the programme, consent arrangements and practical requirements.
Parents who have received a follow-up letter or have concerns about their child’s teeth can call 01375 852044 or email info@elitedentalstudio.co.uk.
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