Designed to Smile’’ in wales and its implications to improve oral health care of children in Sri Lanka: A desk review

The ‘Designed to Smile’ (D2S) programme in Wales emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice in public health. Continuous monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation based on research have made D2S a sustainable model for child oral health care, with a significant reduction in dental decay rates in Wales since its inception. Cost-effectiveness studies, such as those comparing fissure sealants and fluoride varnish, have informed strategic shifts in resource allocation within D2S. The programme now emphasizes preventive measures such as oral health education, supervised tooth brushing, and fluoride varnish application, particularly targeting deprived areas based on the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation. Skill mix models in D2S, incorporating dental professionals and non-dental health workers, have enhanced programme delivery, particularly in early years’ interventions. Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in D2S include both quantitative and qualitative assessments, providing comprehensive insights into programme effectiveness. Community engagement is integral to D2S, with efforts to involve parents, guardians, teachers, and health professionals in promoting oral health. The D2S team makes efforts to align with global health and environmental goals through practices like reducing plastic waste and decarbonization. The strategies and structure of the D2S child oral health care programme in Wales provide insights that could be valuable in facing existing challenges in oral health programmes for children in Sri Lanka.