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03 / 10 / 2025

SHINE Program in conjunction with Ipswich Town Foundation

Children’s Dental Health Matters

At Lighthouse Dental Practice, we take children’s dental health very seriously. We believe every child deserves a bright, healthy smile. The SHINE programme helps make that possible.

Logo for Ipswich Town Foundation's SHINE programme, showing a tooth on a blue background.

What Is SHINE?

SHINE is a six-week initiative delivered in schools across Ipswich and Suffolk. It is hosted by Ipswich Town Football Club’s Ipswich Town Foundation. The programme provides children with brushing kits, fun and engaging workshops that promote good dental hygiene, and support for families to help keep their children’s teeth healthy.

Supporting Parents Without Judgement

Many parents know that dental hygiene is important, but it’s not always easy to keep up with the latest advice or know exactly what’s best for their child’s teeth. SHINE is here to offer support and encouragement, helping families make informed choices with confidence. It’s never about judgement or criticism. Parenting is challenging enough. We want children to feel proud of their teeth, parents to feel supported, and smiles to last much longer.

The Cost of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay causes pain, loss of confidence, and missed school days. No child should have to face that. SHINE is here to change the story.

The SHINE Kit

Every child who takes part in the SHINE programme receives a SHINE Kit, which includes:

  • A bamboo toothbrush
  • Age-appropriate toothpaste
  • A tooth-brushing timer
  • A workbook

We believe it is important for children to feel ownership over their dental health. This kit is a gift designed to build confidence. It is something that belongs entirely to them.

A child in the dentist's chair having their teeth checked.

Why We Joined SHINE

Lighthouse Dental Practice joined SHINE because we care about Suffolk’s children beyond the dental chair. We are closely involved in the programme, sharing our expertise and supporting SHINE workshops to help families build lifelong healthy habits.

We are proud to work alongside the Ipswich Town Foundation, University of Suffolk Dental CIC, NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB, and many others who care deeply about our community.

Looking Ahead

Healthy children mean stronger schools, happier families, and a brighter future for everyone. As SHINE continues to grow, we look forward to reaching more schools, supporting more families, and inspiring a generation to grow up with stronger, healthier smiles.

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“Hygienist, Angela sets you at ease from the moment you walk in the door. She is not only really thorough but also very caring and explains what she is doing throughout the ...“

Jenny

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“Wow! The service I received from Jane was absolutely fantastic; she went above and beyond to assist me so that I wasn't left out of pocket. I wish everyone had a person lik...“

Dee D

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“I am 70 years of age, and I have always been afraid to go to the dentist. A broken tooth and my wife threatening to leave me if I did not get it replaced soon made me find a ...“

Earlmain L

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“I booked an emergency treatment appointment, having had a tooth for a few days and was unable to get an appointment with my regular practice. I have to say the service was am...“

Ginette S

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“As a nervous patient, I was very worried about having my tooth removed. I was instantly put at ease by the reception staff and the dental team. They regularly stopped to check...“

Susannah B

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“Having not been to a dentist in over 25 years, I was a bag of nerves when I arrived, but I must admit Dr Tocca was very professional and explained everything as he was going t...“

Nick K

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lighthouse icon
stars 1

“Hygienist, Angela sets you at ease from the moment you walk ...“

Jenny

stars 1

“Wow! The service I received from Jane was absolutely fantast...“

Dee D

stars 1

“I am 70 years of age, and I have always been afraid to go to...“

Earlmain L

stars 1

“I booked an emergency treatment appointment, having had a to...“

Ginette S

stars 1

“As a nervous patient, I was very worried about having my too...“

Susannah B

stars 1

“Having not been to a dentist in over 25 years, I was a bag o...“

Nick K

View All Testimonials Leave Us A Review
lighthouse icon
stars 1

“Hygienist, Angela sets you at ease from the moment you walk in the door. She is not onl...“

Jenny

stars 1

“Wow! The service I received from Jane was absolutely fantastic; she went above and beyond ...“

Dee D

stars 1

“I am 70 years of age, and I have always been afraid to go to the dentist. A broken tooth ...“

Earlmain L

stars 1

“I booked an emergency treatment appointment, having had a tooth for a few days and was una...“

Ginette S

stars 1

“As a nervous patient, I was very worried about having my tooth removed. I was instantly pu...“

Susannah B

stars 1

“Having not been to a dentist in over 25 years, I was a bag of nerves when I arrived, but I...“

Nick K

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