The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD), in collaboration with Jam Up! and Brush DJ and supported by Henry Schein’s global corporate citizenship programme Henry Schein Cares, has launched two new videos designed to support the oral health of autistic children and young people (CYP).
The resources respond to the continuing rise in the number of children in the UK diagnosed with Special Educational Needs (SEN). One in seven children is now identified as neurodivergent, and the number of pupils needing SEN support has increased by 29.5% since 2016. BSPD knows that autistic children can face additional challenges when it comes to maintaining good oral health, and evidence shows that people with learning disabilities often experience poorer oral health than the general population.
Many autistic children find the sensations and sounds of toothbrushing difficult and visiting the dentist can cause anxiety. The new videos aim to dispel myths, reduce fear, and help parents and carers prioritise the most important steps to support a child’s oral health. Developed collaboratively by experts in children’s oral health, specialists in autism, and parents of autistic children, the films offer practical, reassuring guidance for families for whom preventive care and dental visits can sometimes feel overwhelming.
A central role in the project is played by Dr Ella Roberts, a dentist at Carriage Works Lostwithiel Dental in Cornwall. With extensive experience caring for children’s oral health, Dr Roberts is both the face and narrator of the videos, bringing warmth, clarity and clinical expertise to every scene.
The two new videos are:
- Teeth Brushing at Home: A step‑by‑step guide for parents, carers and CYP on how to look after autistic children’s teeth and gums at home, including sensory‑aware strategies and achievable goals.
- At the Dentist: A walkthrough of what to expect during a dental visit, outlining the ‘reasonable adjustments’ families can request to help appointments run more smoothly.
The videos were created by Jam Up!, a company and app designed to support children with additional needs, with expert input from Brush DJ. The project was generously supported by Henry Schein through Henry Schein Cares aiming to help health happen. This contribution ensured the films are accessible, engaging and widely shareable. Additional thanks go to the film production team, Fotonow CIC, Dartmoor Dental and Lostwithiel Dental for their support.
Dr Oosh Devalia, BSPD President, said:
“Every child deserves the chance to grow up free from pain and with a healthy mouth, and that includes autistic children and those with special educational needs. These new videos give families clear, compassionate and practical guidance to help make toothbrushing and dental visits more predictable and less stressful. By working closely with parents, autism specialists and our digital partners, we have created resources that meet children where they are and support them to thrive. We are very grateful that through Henry Schein Cares, we were able to provide valuable support to bring these videos to life. Our aim is simple: to ensure that every child, whatever their needs, can enjoy the best possible oral health.”
Vikki Goodall, Managing Director, Henry Schein UK & Ireland, said:
“Henry Schein is delighted to support the development of these important new videos with BSPD, Jam Up! and Brush DJ. These resources will go a long way in helping autistic children navigate toothbrushing at home and reduce some of the anxiety they may feel about visiting the dentist. We are proud to join forces to ensure that some of the most vulnerable children in our communities can enjoy the same bright, confident smile that every child deserves. Through Henry Schein Cares, we have been working to improve children’s oral health and advance health equity for 25 years. These videos represent a significant step forward in our shared journey towards achieving true oral health equity for all children.”
