Asda and Colgate have joined forces to deliver essential dental kits to over 1,600 UK schools, aiming to combat tooth decay in deprived areas.
- More than 70,000 dental kits, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, and brushing charts, are being distributed to young students.
- This initiative addresses the pressing issue of tooth decay, a leading cause of hospitalisation for children aged five to nine.
- Educational materials are provided to support oral health routines at home, integrating Colgate’s curriculum-aligned programme.
- By supplying tools and knowledge, Asda hopes to instil lifelong dental hygiene habits in children from disadvantaged communities.
In a significant collaboration, Asda and Colgate have dispatched upwards of 70,000 dental kits to more than 1,600 schools across the United Kingdom. This move is targeted at addressing the high rates of tooth decay observed in children living in deprived areas, who are considerably more likely to require dental interventions such as extractions.
Each kit contains a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a brushing chart, designed specifically for children. These resources are complemented by educational materials aimed at families, encouraging the establishment of effective oral care routines within the household setting. Schools involved in the programme will participate in Colgate’s ‘Bright Smiles, Bright Futures’, which is tailored to align with the national curriculum, ensuring that dental health education is not only accessible but also integrated into children’s learning.
Hayley Tatum, Asda’s Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer, remarked on the critical nature of this initiative, pointing out the uphill struggle faced by children in receiving adequate dental care. The provision of educational tools and resources is seen as a foundational step towards cultivating healthy dental habits that children will carry into adulthood.
Asda’s recent efforts reflect its ongoing commitment to community support, following their campaign to fund UK primary schools through their loyalty programme. By offering to donate a percentage of each shop to a customer’s chosen primary school, Asda has successfully raised £3 million within the first month of the programme, illustrating their active role in supporting educational infrastructure.
Asda and Colgate’s collaborative initiative represents a strategic effort to tackle dental health issues in disadvantaged areas, promoting long-term behavioural change among young students.
