BSPD’s Outstanding Innovation Award (OIA) for 2026 has been awarded to Amrit Chauhan for toothPASTE: a co‑designed intervention to enable parents of young autistic children to feel confident and empowered in looking after their teeth. The winning initiative delivers a free, practical resource created with families, professionals and researchers to support neurodiverse children to improve oral health through informed, accessible guidance. The winner, Amrit Chauhan, is a lecturer and researcher in autism-related oral health at the University of Leeds School of Dentistry.
OIA 2026 Winning Initiative:
toothPASTE: a co‑designed intervention to enable parents of young autistic children to feel confident and empowered in looking after their teeth
The judges recognised that toothPASTE responds directly to an identifiable need and aligns strongly with BSPD’s mission to help vulnerable children and young people. The resource promotes preventive behaviours such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, reducing sugary foods and drinks, and attending regular dental appointments, while also acknowledging the sensory and communication challenges that can make these activities difficult for autistic children. The panel praised the project’s collaborative methodology and its sensitive, evidence‑based approach to supporting families.
The initiative demonstrates how co‑creation and multi‑disciplinary working can deliver a resource that is truly fit for purpose. By centring the lived experiences of families and drawing on professional expertise, toothPASTE provides practical, compassionate guidance that will help reduce inequalities in oral health outcomes for neurodiverse children.
Dr Oosh Devalia, BSPD President, said: “toothPASTE stood out for its clarity, compassion and commitment to supporting families of autistic children. It shows how thoughtful co‑design can remove barriers to good oral health and empower parents with the confidence and tools they need. I am very much looking forward to hearing Amrit’s presentation at the BSPD 2026 conference in York this September.”
OIA 2026 Highly Commended Award:
A child co‑produced information video on silver diamine fluoride (SDF)
The highly commended award for 2026 goes to Laura Timms for her child co‑produced information video on silver diamine fluoride (SDF). The judging panel was particularly impressed by the meaningful involvement of children and young people throughout the research and development process. Highly commended Laura Timms, is a Paediatric Dentistry specialist and NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer based in Sheffield, UK. She works at the University of Sheffield and the Charles Clifford Dental Hospital.
Laura gathered contributions from a diverse group of patients and members of the public to ensure the video is accessible, relevant and engaging for families, including those for whom English is not a first language. The result is a valuable tool that supports informed decision‑making and helps children understand SDF treatment in a clear, reassuring way.
Dr Oosh Devalia said: “With BSPD’s focus on equity and inclusion, we were delighted to see how Laura’s project brings children’s voices to the forefront. The video is engaging, culturally sensitive and genuinely useful for families across a broad range of backgrounds.”
