HarVey bear, the MCH health visiting mascot, looks on as student health visitor, Sam, shows HarVey’s Medway Smiles passport to a mum and son at the Parkwood Healthy Living Centre healthy baby clinic.

The re-launch of the Medway Smiles passport is led by the MCH public health team and it highlights the importance of ensuring good oral health of babies and children in Medway. The programme promotes and encourages regular dental attendance from six months of age. The passport is a personal record and keepsake of visits to the dentist. Parents are encouraged to take their child’s passport to every dental check where the dental team will add a HarVey Bear sticker to the passport and record attendance. Children who visit a dentist from an early age become familiar and confident with the dental surgery and its dental team.

With the invaluable support of the dental team supporting early access for Medway children, their families will receive the current oral health messages reducing the risk of early years tooth decay.

In addition to the passport, parents also receive a toothbrush and toothpaste pack for their child with additional guidelines on brushing their child’s teeth.

To find a dentist in Medway contact the helpline on 0300 123 4412.