Group History

At the beginning of 1980 there was little national support for people working within the field of oral health education. The formation of a national network was the idea of Pauline Dimmock a dental health educator working in Northampton.

An article inviting ‘ interested parties’ to respond was placed in several publications and over 200 responses were received from a variety of individuals working within the field of oral health education.

This phenomenal response led to the first Oral Health Education Conference being held on the 19th + 20th October 1981 at Milton Keynes College of Further Education. It was at this conference that the National Oral Health Education Group was formed and Pauline Dimmock was elected as chairperson.

The founding principles of the group were to promote communication between members and agencies active in dental health education, introduction of evaluation and evidence based practice and development of a support network for people working in the field of oral health education. These founding principles were adopted by the membership and established as the constitutional objectives for the organisation.

Over the next twenty years the National Oral Health Education Group contributed to significant advancements in the promotion of oral healthcare, adoption of evidence base and quality standards and endorsement of the development of healthcare alliances.

In 1997 Professor Mike Lennon – British Fluoridation Society, was elected the groups first patron, followed by Dr Ray Watkins- Chief Dental Officer for Scotland.

Entering a new millennium led the organisation to consider the evolution of oral health promotion, resulting in a change of name for the organisation, to mirror the future needs for wider inclusion of oral healthcare issues. In 2001 members adopted the title of National Oral Health Promotion Group, reflecting the expanded role of education into areas of social health determinants, common risk factors and political strategy.

In 2006 we will be celebrating 25yrs of promoting oral healthcare development, striving for consistent and quality standards of practice and practically supporting people working within oral health promotion. Our Silver Jubilee celebrations will be a testament to an organisation based on a determined, committed and sharing membership.