BSPD’s mission statement includes first-ever children’s version

The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) has refreshed its Mission Statement & Strategy, issuing for the first version for children and young people.

The three-year plan, which runs until 2029, is based on eight core aims focusing on the society’s priorities and keeping our most-vulnerable young people at the heart.

The principle of creating a first-ever version for children, co-created with feedback from young people, is fundamental to ensuring the BSPD delivers advice and materials that are relevant to, and can be understood by, every child, including those who are neurodivergent.

The society works to improve health outcomes, experience and standards of care in all settings by engaging with dental and other health professions, stakeholders, policy and political decision makers, and other special interest groups.

It aims to ensure the voice of the child is heard to achieve optimal oral health and improve general health and wellbeing.

We know that prevention is better than cure, and to support that vision, BSPD will really focus on delivering messages, content and guidance in versions that children can understand 

The mission statement version for children and young people is a bright and modern one-page infographic using fun icons and simple language where the society lays out its purpose and what is does.

It states: “Paediatric dentistry means the dentists and their teams who help keep children and young people’s teeth and gums healthy.

“Having a healthy mouth is important. If your mouth is sore, it can stop you from eating and sleeping and make it hard to concentrate at school or college.

“We want every child and young person to have a healthy start in life and to get really good care for their teeth.”

The mission statement’s eight aims are:

1. Upholding the overall wellbeing of children as our overarching concern
2. Providing evidence-based oral health advice and information for children, young people and their families
3. Promoting and ensuring a preventive oral health philosophy that contributes to overall health and wellbeing
4. Contributing to the work of policy and decision makers and collaborating with other stakeholders to advocate for children and young people’s oral health
5. Supporting the continuous learning and development of all members of the dental team
6. Supporting the development and dissemination of evidence and advice to professionals
7. Building the society’s impact through increased member value and stronger advocacy for paediatric dentistry
8. Build awareness of the society to ensure BSPD continues to be recognised as the expert voice of children and young people’s oral health

Dr Oosh Devalia, president, said “We are very proud to share the inspiring refreshed mission statement and three-year plan for BSPD.

“Having a version for children is so important since they are our focus and we must ensure that we communicate our goals in a way they can understand.

“In fact, this is one of our mission aims. We have ensured that the principles will ensure that we deliver for children over the next three years.

“We know that prevention is better than cure, and to support that vision, BSPD will really focus on delivering messages, content and guidance in versions that children can understand.

“I am delighted with our new mission statement and look forward to working on these goals with BSPD’s excellent executive committee and members.”