Dental Health Foundation Ireland Launches New Child Oral Health Initiative for Traveller Families
We are so proud to launch a new child oral health initiative designed to support Traveller parents in caring for the dental health of children from birth to eight years of age.
At the centre of the initiative is Caring for Your Child’s Gums and Teeth—a practical and culturally inclusive educational flipbook, developed in collaboration with Kerry Traveller Health & Community Development Project and Cork Traveller Visibility Group. It is accompanied by a colourful fridge magnet featuring simple tooth care tips for families, and a new animated online video (available here.)
Designed with accessibility in mind, the flipbook uses Plain English, colour-coded sections, and imagery that reflects Traveller culture and identity. We created the evidence-based resource along with our scientific advisory group, and significant input from Traveller Community Health Workers in Kerry and Cork to ensure that it speaks directly to the needs and experiences of Traveller families.
Over the coming months, Community Health Workers in Kerry and 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.
Photos: Darragh Kane
In attendance at the launch: Dr Paul O'Dwyer, Dr Padraid Creedon, Ms Orlaith Kennedy, Dr Anne Twomey, Dr Mary Coleman, Ms Tehmina Kazi, Dr Niamh Coffey, Mr Andy Walker, Ms Eileen Burke, Ms Nora Cash, Ms Noreen Casey, Ms Jean O'Donoghue, Ms Liz McGrath, Ms Ruth Bailey, Ms Maria Stokes, Ms Aimee Daly, Ms Destiny Quilligan, Ms Noreen O'Reilly, Councillor Dan Boyle, Deputy Minister Colm Burke T.D. and Councillor Oliver Moran.
This resource was made possible through the valuable input of Traveller Community Health Care Workers in Dublin, Cork, and Kerry, who contributed to shaping the storyboard and narrative, and the DHF Science Advisory Group who provided evidence-based oral health guidance to ensure accuracy and best practice.
Created by the DHF, with generous support from the Mercy Ministry Fund.