Neteland Region Launches Innovative School-Based Tooth Brushing Program for Preschoolers
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A pilot initiative in Vorselaar and surrounding municipalities aims to improve children’s oral health through collective brushing after lunch,addressing a growing regional dentist shortage.
Collective brushing: A New Approach to Oral Hygiene
Preschoolers in Vorselaar, Lille, Kasterlee, and other Neteland region municipalities are participating in a groundbreaking pilot program designed to instill good oral hygiene habits from a young age. The initiative, a collaboration between local authorities and health organizations, encourages children to brush their teeth together immediately following their lunch break.
The program provides each child with their own toothbrush and toothpaste, fostering a sense of routine and shared responsibility for oral health.
Early Intervention is Key, Says Vorselaar Official
Tina Claes, Head of Citizens & Welfare for the municipality of Vorselaar, emphasized the importance of early oral care education. “Teaching children to brush their teeth from a young age isn’t just about preventing cavities; it’s about laying the foundation for their overall long-term health and well-being,” Claes stated. “Establishing these habits now will benefit them for years to come.”
Pilot Program Timeline and Future Plans
Launched in November 2025 at De Knipoog preschool in Vorselaar, the pilot program is scheduled to continue through the Easter holidays of 2026. Organizers are closely monitoring the program’s impact and hope to expand it to additional schools throughout the Neteland region if initial results are positive.
Addressing a Critical Need: Prevention in the Face of Limited Access
The timing of this initiative is particularly crucial given the increasing shortage of dentists in the region, which is creating challenges for families seeking regular dental care. “With access to dentists becoming more difficult,prevention is all the more notable,” Claes explained. The working group behind the program is also planning to offer webinars for parents and professional development opportunities for educators to further support oral health initiatives.
