The words to use
- Delivering Better Oral Health (DBOH)
- England's evidence-based prevention toolkit for dental teams, setting toothpaste strengths, varnish frequency and advice by age and risk. 4th edition 2021; case studies added September 2025.
- Fluoride varnish
- A concentrated fluoride coating (2.26% sodium fluoride) painted onto teeth. DBOH advises it twice a year for all children from age 3.
- COM-B
- A behaviour-change model used in DBOH: change needs capability, opportunity and motivation. Work out which is missing before giving advice.
- Unit of dental activity (UDA)
- The payment unit of England's NHS dental contract. Each banded course earns UDAs; band 1 check-ups earn the fewest, more complex bands earn more.
- Fissure sealant
- A resin coating that seals the grooves of permanent teeth against decay. Since April 2026 it is paid as a band 2 treatment to encourage its use.
