Brilliant Brushers
Helping children in Dudley build healthy brushing habits for life
Good oral health starts early. The Dudley Supervised Toothbrushing Programme helps young children develop daily toothbrushing routines, reducing tooth decay and supporting lifelong healthy habits.
What is the Supervised Toothbrushing Programme?
The Dudley Supervised Toothbrushing Programme is a nationally funded oral health improvement initiative that aims to reduce tooth decay in young children and address oral health inequalities across the borough. The programme we deliver in Dudley is called ‘Brilliant Brushers‘. It supports early years settings to deliver daily, supervised toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste, helping children establish healthy oral hygiene habits from an early age.
The programme is delivered locally through a partnership between Dudley Council and Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHC). It follows an evidence‑based model aligned with national guidance and best practice for infection prevention, safeguarding and early years health promotion.
Why supervised toothbrushing matters?
Tooth decay is preventable, and caring for teeth is a healthy habit that can easily become part of everyday life.
✅ Reduces tooth decay in young children
✅ Helps establish healthy daily routines
✅ Supports families where brushing at home may be difficult
✅ Improves confidence and independence in children
✅ Helps reduce health inequalities across Dudley
Who is the programme for?
The programme is designed for:
- Nurseries
- Pre-schools
- Early years settings
The programme focuses on settings working with children aged 3 – 5 years, particularly in areas where children are at higher risk of tooth decay.
What does the programme provide?
Participating settings receive:
- 🪥 Toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste
- 📦 Hygienic brushing storage systems
- 📘 Clear guidance and policies
- 👩🏫 Training and support for staff
- 🧒 Resources to support children’s learning
- 👪 Information materials for parents and carers
All resources meet national infection control, oral health guidance, and are provided by Dudley Council free of charge.
What is expected from early years settings?
Settings taking part in the programme are expected to:
- Support children to brush their teeth once a day at the setting using the dry brushing method, under appropriate supervision
- Follow infection prevention and control guidance
- Store toothbrushes correctly
- Keep simple records of participation
- Share oral health messages with parents and carers
Ongoing support is provided to help settings meet these requirements.
Benefits for parents and carers
The programme also supports families by:
- Reinforcing the importance of brushing twice daily
- Encouraging use of fluoride toothpaste at home
- Building consistency between home and childcare settings
- Providing easy-to-understand oral health advice
How to join the programme
If you manage or work in an early years setting in Dudley Borough and would like to take part:
Email: CYPTeam@dudley.gov.uk
A member of the Public Health Babies, Children & Young People team will contact you to discuss eligibility* and next steps.
*Please note: Early years settings wishing to take part in the programme must meet specific eligibility criteria. This criteria will be discussed with early years setting when the enquiry made.*