Posted on Thursday 8th January 2026
Maureen praises the programme for helping her to feel healthier and more confident.
Residents in care homes across Staffordshire are celebrating healthier smiles thanks to the NHS-backed Care to Smile programme.
Delivered by Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust's Healthy Smile Team, 19 care homes were recognised with an award for outstanding commitment to oral health last year.
Maureen, a resident at Crispin Court in Stafford, is one of many who have benefitted from the initiative. She shared her experience:
“I’ve had ulcers right up the side of my face, which were very painful. Thanks to Care to Smile, staff knew how to help and I'm feeling so much better after their swift action and good mouth care. It’s amazing what a clean mouth can do for your confidence.”
Crispin Court is one of the care homes in Staffordshire to receive the award for their dedication to improving mouth and dental care for residents. The programme is now encouraging more care homes to get involved and benefit from its free training and resources.
Martin Rogerson, Cabinet Member for Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“We’re lucky to have some really good care homes in Staffordshire and we’re always looking for opportunities to celebrate excellence.
"This demonstrates once again that the people who work in care go above and beyond to look after our residents. We know there are many other care homes out there who will benefit from getting involved in Care to Smile training.”
The Care to Smile programme is delivered by Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust’s Healthy Smile Team in partnership with Staffordshire County Council. It provides detailed training for nominated mouth care champions, along with resources and ongoing support. The initiative is backed by Staffordshire and Stoke Integrated Care Board and the Local Dental Network.
Jill Allbutt, Oral Health Improvement Service Lead from the Healthy Smile Team, added:
“Good mouth care has a huge impact on overall health and it’s surprising to see the link poor mouth care can have on some long-term health conditions. It’s also more than health alone, but about dignity, confidence and quality of life. We’re delighted to see so many care homes embracing the Care to Smile programme and making a real difference for their residents.”
The following care homes have been recognised for completing all elements of the Care to Smile award:
- Beechcroft House Residential Home
- Kinglsey Cottage Blackford’s Care Home
- The Old Vicarage Nursing Home
- Cannock Specialist Care Centre
- Ernvale House Care Centre
- Woodview Care Home
- Highbarrow Residential Home
- St Mary’s Nursing Home
- Needwood House Nursing Home and Barton House Nursing Home
- Nethermoor House Care Home
- Park Farm Lodge Care Home
- Dove House Care Home
- Bracken House Care Home
- Kidsgrove Care Solutions
- Broadmeadow Court Residential Care Home
- Bridge Manor Care Home
- The Grange Residential Care Home
- Crispin Court Care Home
Find out more about Care to Smile and how care home settings can sign up online.
View our video with Maureen and the Care to Smile team.