GebitsGroeiBoekje reaches one year in pilot phase across Netherlands
Pilot booklet for child oral health shows mixed uptake: dental practices should prompt parents to bring it to appointments.
Pilot expands early childhood oral health education
The GebitsGroeiBoekje (Tooth Growth Booklet) pilot launched in late March 2025 across three Dutch public health regions: Brabant-Zuidoost, Zaanstreek-Waterland, and Hollands Midden. Parents receive the booklet from youth health services (JGZ) and are advised to bring their child to a dental practice at around 6 months of age, taking the booklet with them during the first visit.
Early findings and practical implementation
Staff from youth health services and public health agencies in the pilot regions received training on child oral health and tooth development over the past year. Recent surveys show that dental professionals in these areas use the booklet with varying frequency and find it helpful. However, not all parents bring the booklet to appointments. Dental practices are advised to remind parents to bring it when scheduling visits.
The booklet provides information on mouth anatomy, oral care, and tooth development from birth to age 5. Appointment cards organised by age group inside the booklet help practitioners quickly identify discussion topics appropriate for each developmental stage. Goals include improving attendance at dental check-ups, where childhood attendance remains inconsistent, and strengthening cooperation between dental practices and consultation bureaus.
Four-year evaluation and future rollout
The KNMT funds the four-year pilot and will evaluate outcomes among dental professionals, JGZ staff, and parents. Based on evaluation results, organisers will determine how to further develop, expand nationally, and finance the booklet. The GebitsGroeiBoekje is a publication of the KNMT and Hogeschool Utrecht, produced in collaboration with NVM dental hygienists, Ivoren Kruis, and NVvK.
Frequently asked questions
What is the GebitsGroeiBoekje and who receives it?
The GebitsGroeiBoekje (Tooth Growth Booklet) is an educational resource provided by youth health services that gives parents information on mouth anatomy, oral care, and tooth development for children from birth to age 5. It includes appointment cards by age group to guide dental consultations.
Where is the GebitsGroeiBoekje pilot running?
The pilot runs in three public health regions: Brabant-Zuidoost, Zaanstreek-Waterland, and Hollands Midden. These regions cover 33 municipalities across the Netherlands and launched the pilot in late March 2025.
How should dental practices use the GebitsGroeiBoekje?
Dental practices can use the booklet as a support tool during consultations with young children and their parents. Practices should remind parents to bring the booklet when making appointments, as early surveys show not all parents currently bring it to visits.
How long will the GebitsGroeiBoekje pilot last?
The pilot runs for four years and is funded by the KNMT. During this period, the KNMT will evaluate outcomes among dental professionals, youth health staff, and parents to decide how to develop, expand nationally, and finance the booklet long-term.
