“STREET dentists” were out and about in an Essex town yesterday, offering free check-ups to youngsters.

James Hore

“STREET dentists” were out and about in an Essex town yesterday, offering free check-ups to youngsters.

The unusual offer was organised by the North East Essex Primary Care Trust (PCT) and gave children aged between two and 11 the chance to make sure their teeth were in top shape.

However, the day in Culver Square, Colchester, got off to something of a false start after shopping centre bosses requested proof that the people involved were actually dentists.

Once the hiccup was overcome, the work began with youngsters taking to the chair. The event was part of National Smile Month and all children attending were given a goody bag with toothpaste, a toothbrush and leaflets on healthy eating and how to look after their teeth.

Kathy Flegg, from the PCT, said: “The focus of all of our National Smile Month activities will be children because we believe that if we can educate them at a young age and make them familiar with dentists, this preventative approach will set them up for good dental health in later life.

“Our target is to reach out to 2,000 children during National Smile Month.

“Individual dental practices have held events to mark National Smile Month in the past but this is the first time that the PCT itself has become involved.

“We want to increase awareness of dental health and celebrate the fact that dentistry is a very important part of the National Health Service as it celebrates its 60th year and also that North East Essex PCT is this year increasing its investment in dentistry.”

n Street dentists will be carrying out another day of check-ups from 10am to 5pm today outside Clinton Cards in Pier Avenue, Clacton.