Facelift for oral health initiative

Wrigley has revamped its UK oral health education programme for 2007, bringing it in line with the scheme in the rest of the world.

After nine years under the name ‘Wrigley Oral Healthcare in Action’ (OHA), the initiative is changing its name to ‘Wrigley Oral Healthcare Programmes’.

The change reflects the streamlined nature of the programme itself that will see members receiving a new set of practice materials with which to educate patients. Existing OHA members will need to sign up again to re-join the initiative under its new name.

The company is adopting a theme for the first time in the history of its education programme, with the fight against plaque being the first to take the spotlight. In an attempt to combat the public’s lack of knowledge about plaque and its effect on oral health, Wrigley is introducing the campaign under the heading ‘Ask Me About Plaque’. The programme is designed to encourage patients to actively engage in conversations with their dental professional about the effects of plaque and ways in which to prevent it.

A new range of free resources has been developed to support the initiative, from materials for practitioners to patient leaflets.

The Plaque Bulletin, written in response to feedback from dentists, contains a range of scientific articles and is CPD compliant. So too is The Plaque Patient Education Handbook, which is designed to give dental professionals tips on encouraging patients to take oral health more seriously. Three patient leaflets provide information on healthy eating, dry mouth and plaque.

An additional patient ‘Plaque Buster’ kit is still in development but will give patients sample-sized oral healthcare products when it becomes available.

Alex MacHutchon, Wrigley’s communications manager for the UK and Ireland, said: ‘After eight years as Wrigley Oral Healthcare in Action, we are excited to present a new membership programme to dental professionals that will provide them with new and improved resources to help educate patients.’

The website www.betteroralhealth.info has more information and facilities for practices to sign up to the initiative. Alternatively, email [email protected], or call 0800 0564 563.

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