A co-creation approach to integrate oral health promotion into English language teaching

Background: Dental Connect, an initiative grounded upon principles of staff and student co-creation within Dundee Dental Hospital (DDH) and Research School, endeavours to improve oral health equity by providing access to oral health education/resources for those in greatest need. Dental Connect witnessed effects which reduced access to dental care/low oral health literacy have upon oral health of migrants and refugees at previous Dental Connect events.

Objectives: Collaborate with Dundee City Council to integrate oral health promotion into English language classes held for refugees/ migrants settling within Dundee.

Methods: Following UKRI’s decision-making tool, this initiative did not require ethical approval. The Conversation Café, an English teaching class ran by Dundee City Council, was selected for the pilot due to proximity to DDH, and a connection with the service provider from a previous event Dental Connect held for Ukrainian refugees. DDH students and staff initially visited the session to meet service providers and scope the session format/learner’s English language levels. A PowerPoint presentation, visual aids and workshop involving comic reading was determined ideal. PowerPoint and comic followed SDCEP Caries Management Guidelines, and were quality assured by clinical and public health lecturers within DDH. The comic enabled learners to practise reading aloud. They were given copies to read to friends/family to develop English skills, while promoting principles of maintaining oral health. Learners were given dental supplies and could register for a course of free treatment upon DDH undergraduate student clinics.

Results: Thirteen learners attended the session. All engaged and stayed for duration. Fifteen registration forms completed. All learners not registered with GDP/PDS registered for course of student treatment. Some registered their children. Verbal feedback from service users/providers was extremely positive. All found session valuable/informative. PowerPoint presentation/comic evaluation currently ongoing.

Conclusion: Pilot is being extended to other English teaching social groups/classes coordinated by Dundee City Council.