Programme Impact

Since the programme was first delivered back in 2014 the delivery team have been busy collating and analysing data that proves the programme's value and potential to have an impact on national oral hygiene statistics.


So far over 4000 children have participated in the programme and schools have welcomed support in delivering oral health as part of the National Curriculum.

Children are asked a set of 6 baseline questions surrounding oral hygiene habits before being shown the OWSI film. Data is collected again during the evaluation session, typically conducted 3-4 months later, where results show that more than 80% of children are able to recall the correct answers.

Take a look at our results from the most recent academic year 2017/2018;


How long should you brush your teeth for?

How many times should you brush your teeth each day?

How much toothpaste should you put on your toothbrush?

What is the superhero ingredient in toothpaste?

What is the best time to eat or drink sugary things?

What is the best time to eat or drink sugary things?

% of correct answers at baseline







% of correct answers at evaluation







Schools have reported the positive impact the programme has had on school culture and curriculum. For many it has resulted in wider benefits such as providing additional evidence for Healthy School status, informing Ofsted reports and involving families that are sometimes hard to engage with. The initial driver for the programme was a request from teachers for more support in delivering key oral health prevention messages as part of the curriculum and it appears schools are satisfied with the resulting products.


“Children and staff were completely buzzing about it yesterday. Literally my whole class say they brushed their teeth last night and this morning, that’s got to be a first” . (Primary School Teacher)


Developing the “Open Wide and Step Inside” in partnership with local stakeholders has resulted in a programme with high acceptability and integration into the local health and education system. One of the strengths of the programme is its adoption of NICE guidance with respect to community engagement, and its co-design with participants, resulting in a programme aligned to the local needs of communities. It complements existing oral health activities in the city and while there are limitations to this evaluation, feedback received indicates the programme is working successfully and achieving its objectives of improving oral health integration into curriculum in local schools in a fun and engaging way.