BrightBites Programme
We're passionate about supporting children to learn about the importance of good oral health, so they can form good habits to keep their teeth and mouths healthy.
Making children smile across the UK
In partnership with Dentaid The Dental Charity, we're on a mission to reach 90,000 school-aged children through our fun and engaging oral health education programme - BrightBites.
In 2023, 15 million* school days were missed due to dental problems. We’re committed to changing this. We’re particularly keen to provide BrightBites sessions for children experiencing health inequalities and social deprivation.
Our volunteers deliver in-person oral health education sessions and every child leaves with a toothbrush, toothpaste and a smile on their face!
We need your support today
BrightBites is delivered across the UK thanks to our wonderful network of local volunteers and supporters.
In addition, through conversations with many of our different charity partners, we’ve identified 25 UK locations, where our support is most needed.
If you're based in or around these locations, we'd love to hear from you. Download our map to see the full list of our key focus areas.
And if you’re based outside of these areas, we’d still be delighted to hear from you.
Tracking our progress with the Smile-o-meter
Since expanding our BrightBites Programme in 2024, we've been tracking our progress as we aim to reach 90,000 school-aged children across the UK.
The smiles just keep coming!
Figures last updated: 31st March 2025
Image description: Up to 31st March 2025 our current total is 95,487
Helpful resources
BrightBites resources for teachers
BrightBites resources for teachers include classroom activities, lesson plans and experiments that are designed to work alongside the curriculum and enhance our BrightBites sessions.
BrightBites resources for parents or carers
Alongside our BrightBites sessions every child receives toothbrushing charts, stickers, recipes and healthy teeth leaflets, to educate and inform the whole family. They are a great way of continuing your child's positive oral health journey at home.
Interested in volunteering for BrightBites?
Denplan's Head of Denplan Partnerships, Elliot Littlechild, delivered a BrightBites session at Park Community School, Havant in April 2024:
I enjoyed every minute of swapping the Denplan Boardroom for the BrightBites classroom. The children loved the opportunity to be interactive with the mouth models and we had some interesting questions that kept me on my toes.
I'd highly recommend anyone to volunteer and deliver a BrightBites session - the kids and school were so grateful for our visit and the free toothbrushes and toothpaste!
- Elliot Littlechild, Head of Denplan Partnerships
No dental experience needed!
Our BrightBites education sessions are delivered by a fantastic team of volunteers from Dentaid The Dental Charity, Denplan and the Denplan dental community.
All volunteers receive a BrightBites t-shirt, the presentation and all the resources they need to deliver a fun and interactive session at their local school.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be qualified to host a session?
Not at all! All you need is a bit of confidence and a DBS check*.
*Cost of DBS check covered by BrightBites.
What resources will I receive?
Rest assured, you’ll receive everything you need to deliver a fun and interactive session.
How are the sessions arranged?
Simply reach out to a local establishment and offer a visit. Or Dentaid can link you up with a setting that has requested support!
How long does a session last?
30 minutes, give or take.
Where are the sessions held?
Any childcare establishment - nursery, school, holiday club or library.
What age bracket is BrightBites suitable for?
Children up to 11 years.
Top tip: Our programme is actually quite versatile and can be tailored for alternative audiences.
What is covered in the session?
Everything from toothbrushing and teeth to sugar awareness and dental appointments.
Are parents / guardians welcome?
Most definitely! Where possible, we encourage them to attend to learn alongside their children.
Register your interest or sign up to volunteer today
Want to find out more? Simply fill in the form to register your interest today. Or if you'd like to volunteer, sign up here with your availability.
*Denplan's 2023 Oral Healthcare Report