Nicki Rowland, the founder of The Magic Dentist charity, tells us more about her mission to tackle the dire state of children's oral health across the UK using magic as a conduit.
In a world where technology has advanced in leaps and bounds, education too has seen immense changes. Yet, one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is the importance of early oral health education for children. This is where ‘The Magic Dentist' steps in - a figure who does not just fix cavities or perform routine check-ups but educates and empowers children to take charge of their oral hygiene through magic. By embedding oral health habits early in life, The Magic Dentist represents the key role that oral health education plays in ensuring the overall wellbeing of children.
The dire state of children's oral health
The Magic Dentist charity is dedicated to improving dental health and hygiene for children in the UK and beyond. The dire state of children's oral health has been compacted by lack of access to dental care services and the poverty crisis. The number one reason that children aged five to nine are admitted to hospital in the UK is to have teeth extracted. According to government statistics for the financial year 2022 to 2023, 47,581 children aged zero to 19 were admitted to hospital for tooth extractions.1 This is a 17% increase on the previous financial year. The cost to the NHS was £40.7 million1 and tragically the problem is wholly preventable.
The guardian of children's smiles
The Magic Dentist is more than just a metaphorical figure - he is a symbol of what dental care should be in the eyes of children and a model for addressing the horrendous statistics above. He creates a fun and educational environment that fosters enthusiasm and curiosity in children about their oral care. Instead of fearing the dentist's chair, children are excited to learn about how to keep their teeth healthy and strong using magic as a vehicle.
The idea of The Magic Dentist transforms the traditional role of dental professionals from someone who merely treats oral issues to a figure who empowers and educates young patients. By integrating magic, interactive learning, and visual storytelling, children are naturally curious and tend to mimic the behaviour of adults. When the dentist's surgery becomes a place of positive reinforcement, it makes children more inclined to adopt healthy dental habits at an early age. The Magic Dentist makes brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits feel like a magical adventure rather than an experience anchored to negative feelings.
Oral health and its impact on general health
The connection between oral health and overall wellbeing is significant, but often overlooked. Poor oral hygiene can lead to cavities and gum disease, which, in turn, can lead to infections that spread to other parts of the body. For example, bacteria from the mouth can travel through the bloodstream and increase the risk of heart problems. Educating children about proper oral hygiene practices not only helps maintain their smiles but also fortifies their overall health.
In children, untreated tooth decay is one of the most common chronic conditions. This not only affects their ability to eat and speak but also can have lasting effects on their cognitive and physical development. Children with severe oral health problems are more likely to miss school, suffer from poor concentration due to pain, and experience lower self-esteem and even social exclusion.
Additionally, poor oral health can affect nutrition. A child with decayed teeth may find it difficult to chew, which in turn limits their diet to softer, often less nutritious foods. This can lead to malnutrition, further affecting their physical growth and overall well-being.
Adopt a School
By educating children early on, they learn the habits and routines that prevent these issues before they start. The Magic Dentist ensures children understand the importance of brushing twice a day, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly. More importantly, this education extends beyond the individual child, as they often bring these lessons home to parents and siblings, creating a ripple effect within the family and community.
In April 2025, The Magic Dentist charity is launching an ‘Adopt a School' programme. The scheme is encouraging sponsors and dental practices to fund oral health education, using The Magic Dentist resources, in a local primary school located in a lower socio-economic demographic. The prerequisite is that dental professionals attend a Magic Dentist ‘Train the Trainer' event to learn how to teach the teachers to deliver oral health education at the right level with the correct content and messages. All the education is underpinned by magic which research has shown to elevate engagement, improve motivation, consolidate learning and empower those learning the tricks. The practice then adopts a school in which to train the teachers, support teaching in the classroom and run fun workshops with the children.
Those dental practices who engage will be encouraged to run a Magic Dentist Day and invite the children from the school into their practice to be examined, receive basic treatment, if required, and apply fluoride varnish as a preventative measure. Sustained dental care will be delivered via Magic Dentist dental care plans if NHS provision is not available.
Empowering children to take charge of their health
The Magic Dentist is a powerful metaphor for how oral health education can transform children's lives. By making oral hygiene engaging, fun, and educational, dentists can help children develop habits that lead to lifelong health. Oral health education is not just about preventing cavities; it is about teaching children the importance of self-care, responsibility, and empowerment. When children learn to take care of their teeth, they are laying the foundation for a healthier future. The Magic Dentist is, in essence, a guardian of not only smiles but overall wellbeing.
If you are interested in getting involved, contact Nicki at nicki@themagicdentist.co.uk or go to www.themagicdentist.co.uk.
