Dental hygiene success for adults with learning disabilities

A team of adults with learning disabilities is all smiles after completing a training course as part of a pioneering dental ambassador scheme in Plymouth.>The young people, from Plymouth are being taught things like the proper brush technique and the importance of cutting down on sugar.

They'll then act as so called dental ambassadors - passing on their knowledge of oral hygiene to other teenagers with learning disabilities in the community.

The scheme is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK.

After completing the course they head out into the local community to educate other people with learning disabilities on how to improve their dental health. >Luke Garland is one of the Dental Ambassadors, he says it's benefited him and the people he trains.

The course was devised by the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise team.

It's now hoped to take the initiative to other areas across the West Country.