Oral health project launched in Cork city to help Travellers

A new child oral health initiative has been designed to support Traveller parents in caring for the dental health of children from birth to eight years of age.

Launched recently in Cork by the Dental Health Foundation Ireland, Caring for Your Child’s Gums and Teeth is a practical and culturally inclusive educational flipbook, developed in collaboration with Cork Traveller Visibility Group.

Dr Paul O’Dwyer, Dental Surgeon and board member of the Dental Health Foundation Ireland, said: “Healthy baby teeth without decay are one of the best starts a child can have in life. Babies are not born with tooth decay, and through this initiative we want to help families to think about their food and drink choices, and oral hygiene practices. Simple changes can make a significant difference—from avoiding sugary drinks and bedtime bottles, to establishing healthy brushing habits early.

“What makes this easy-to-use resource especially valuable is the involvement of Traveller Community Health Workers throughout its development. Their insight ensured the information is practical, culturally relevant, and accessible. Following specialised training workshops, they are now well placed to confidently support families within their own communities.”

Over the coming months, Community Health Workers in Cork will participate in oral health workshops that will equip them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to deliver the resource locally within their communities. In time, the Foundation plans to expand the initiative nationally through a wider network of Community Health Workers.

Eileen Burke, a Community Health Worker with the Cork Traveller Visibility Group said: “One of the main reasons we got involved in this booklet was because we wanted it to be Traveller-friendly. It was done with Travellers, for Travellers. We wanted to ensure that any Traveller that had literacy problems would be able to relate to it, be able to comprehend what the booklet is saying, and that it would use images that reflect our community.”

Designed with accessibility in mind, the flipbook uses plain English, colour-coded sections, and imagery that reflects Traveller culture and identity. The evidence-based resource was created by the Dental Health Foundation Ireland, and its scientific advisory group, with significant input from Traveller Community Health Workers in Cork to ensure it speaks directly to the needs and experiences of Traveller families.

Eileen added: “Oral health is a big issue for those Travellers with poor access to sanitation. Kids may not have the space to be able to brush their teeth, if they’re living in a very small caravan. If the weather is bad, it’s going to be hard for the children to go out and brush their teeth too. It can also be difficult to achieve in practice when running water and washroom facilities are not available or out of service.

“Thanks to this new initiative, I think people in our community will not only gain a lot of information from the booklet, but also a lot of confidence in better looking after their children’s oral health.”