Downer donates $3000 towards supervised tooth-brushing programme in Te Tai Tokerau
The supervised tooth-brushing programme in Te Tai Tokerau is set to grow thanks to a $3000 donation from the Downer Donate programme.
Downer Donate, a community fund, was launched in August 2022. Downer team members drive this initiative by nominating causes or charities that matter to them and are in need of support.
Te Tai Tokerau Spotless Operations Manager John Sharp nominated the supervised tooth-brushing programme.
“We are extremely grateful to John for nominating our programme because we can now grow the number of schools the programme is in Northland,” said Pip Zammit, Te Whatu Ora in Te Tai Tokerau Oral Health service manager.
Encompassing all primary schools located in the Far North, Hokianga, East Coast/Whangaroa areas and extending into the Whangārei region, the supervised tooth-brushing programme follows on from a comprehensive study completed by the members of the Oral Health team in Te Tai Tokerau.
The study clearly outlines the significant oral health improvements for tamariki when they have access to supervised tooth brushing within the school setting.
Northland’s Year 8 students have a higher number of decayed, missing or filled teeth (0.99 compared with 0.73 nationally). Our 5-year-olds have one of the lowest percentages of teeth without tooth decay (42 percent compared with 55.1 percent nationally).
“Brushing teeth once a day at school is one way we can provide equity and access to all tamariki as well as improve the overall health of our tamariki teeth,” Pip said.
Photo: (left to right)
Te Tai Tokerau Spotless Operations Manager John Sharp hands over the $3000 cheque to Pip Zammit, Oral Health service manager in Te Tai Tokerau.
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