Childsmile: SNP Success in Cutting Tooth Decay

New research has confirmed a remarkable improvement in children’s dental health since the SNP Scottish Government introduced its Childsmile programme in 2008.

A University of Glasgow study has found that 73% of Primary 1 children in Scotland now have no obvious tooth decay, compared to just 58% when the scheme began. This is a huge step forward in giving Scotland’s children a healthier start in life.

Childsmile provides universal oral health interventions such as supervised toothbrushing in nurseries and schools, fluoride varnish application, and early engagement with dental services. It has not only reduced tooth decay across the population but also saved the NHS significant treatment costs. Recent research suggests the Daily Supervised Toothbrushing programme may even reduce school absences due to dental problems.

The SNP Government’s commitment to improving dental health has been backed by further investment – including £3 million in the 2025/26 Scottish Budget for additional dental training places to support the programme’s future.

SNP Candidate Martyn Day said:

“The SNP continues to deliver bold, progressive policies that improve lives – from the Baby Box to Childsmile – while Westminster policies push more people into hardship. With independence, Scotland could go further and faster in giving every child the best start in life.”

The success of Childsmile shows what’s possible when Scotland has the power to make its own decisions – but with the limited powers of devolution, there is only so much we can do. With the full powers of independence, we could deliver even greater public health improvements and tackle poverty at its root.