BETTER dental care was the focus of a conference held in Huddersfield.
Delegates from more than 70 primary care trusts (PCTs)gathered at the Galpharm Stadium to hear ways of improving oral health.
The national forum, organised by the Government's Health Department, was held to share ideas about dental services.
About 80 health professionals attended the day and took part in workshops.
They also heard about a scheme, Brushing For Life, which was launched to encourage families in disadvantaged areas to brush their children's teeth regularly.
The Government project, run in partnership with the Colgate toothpaste company, enables health workers to distribute tooth-brushing packs to families across the country in a bid to prevent tooth decay.
Dr Barry Cockroft, Chief Dental Officer for England, was the main speaker.
He said: "Prevention was the theme of the event. People can benefit as much from advice on how to prevent dental disease as from its treatment."
Rob Napier, chairman of Kirklees PCT, said: "Oral health is an integral part of general health. Promoting oral and dental health is a key part of our plans to improve the health of local people.
"The conference, building on work already in progress, offered us new ideas and insights which PCTs can support."
