About the Oral Health Research Promotion Group

The Oral Health Promotion Research Group- Irish Link was launched in September 2003 by Dr Mary O Farrell, Principal Dental Surgeon, aiming to raise the status of Oral Health Promotion in Ireland through the dissemination of good practice based on sound theoretical framework and practical research.

This 'All Ireland' approach linked with the UK based Oral Health Promotion Research Group (OHPRG) formed a partnership, which included networking with colleagues in the UK and strengthening links with other health professionals.

Each year the group has been supported by The Dental Health Foundation who set up an Awards Bursary to facilitate Oral Promotion Research and development within Ireland.

In 2004 the theme of the first conference" Oral Health within Public Health " included such speakers as Professor Ivan Perry and Ruth Freeman and Dr's Jane Sixsmith, Richard Watt and Ronnie Levine.

The 2005 conference "Evaluation and Beyond" explored the area of Qualitative and Quantitative research. A database (hard copy) of oral health projects across the island was developed and circulated to our membership with contact details of 'What's going on in Oral Health Promotion in Ireland.

The 2006 Conference 'Ideas into Practice' presented initiatives on a "Traveller Project", "Community Development approach to Health Promotion", "Glasgow Early Years" and "Older Persons Initiative". Speakers included Yvonne Blair, Aidan Browne, Martin Quinn, Beth Dawson and Margaret O Malley.

The 2007 Conference "Communication and how to do it better" covered subjects on

  • "One to One Communication" (Mary Harris)
  • "Your reputation- what's it worth?" (Carlton Baxter)
  • "Plain English" (Sheila O Kelly).

The Dental Health Foundation supported the idea of running Master classes for the membership with the theme 'Community Development and Oral Health'

In May 2008 a joint conference with the UK group was held in Croke Park Stadium, Dublin titled "Partnership Working" and it focused on partnerships with Health and Social Care Professionals. Sue Gregory, Assistant Chief Dental Officer UK, spoke about 'Delivering Better Oral Health' an evidence -based booklet for Prevention. Other speakers included Kevin Haywood 'Teaming Up with Aston Villa' and Denise McCormilla/Mairin McInerney 'Smart Start' an early intervention programme for preschools.

In 2008 an approach was made to the Irish Link to provide a parallel programme at the Annual Conference of the Public Dental Surgeons group of the Irish Dental Association.

This partnership with the Public Dental Surgeons group was repeated in 2009 with a focus on 'Communication and Stress'.

In 2010, work commenced on developing a website which would link into the Dental Health Foundation Ireland. This website will be a format for members to exchange ideas, information, resources, programmes and news in relation to current oral health promotion.

In view of the integration of the OHPRG (UK) and BASCD in autumn 2010, and the ongoing discussions on reorganization of health and oral care services across Ireland, it is timely for the 'Irish link' to review how best it can move forward to support Oral Health Promotion developments and research in Ireland.

One of the greatest benefits of membership is to know that you are part of a group with whom you can share your experiences and knowledge and from whom you can receive support in promoting Oral Health.

Margaret O'Malley
Chair - Irish Link