today, will highlight the benefits of the Island's fluoride programme.

"We are trying to promote positive attitudes to the fluoride programme in order to enhance compliance with the programme by parents, teachers and students in Primary 5 to 7,'' said a Dental Department spokesman.

The Department anticipates this will be achieved by communicating the success the fluoride programme has had in reducing the prevalence of tooth decay.

Premier, the Hon. Sir John Swan will officially declare the start of Dental Health Week at a Cabinet Building ceremony this morning, after which awards will be presented to the 10 winners of the Primary 5 photo contest.

Students were encouraged to submit photographs of themselves revealing their "best fluoride smile'' and to answer the question, "Why it is important to use fluoride and to take care of my teeth?'' The Dental Health Week logo will be appearing on everything from milk cartons and shopping bags to posters and tee shirts.

And a "fluoride skit'', produced by Dellwood School, will be performed at Woodlands School, the children's ward at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and Cedar Grove School.

Schools that have "made an extra effort'' to participate in Dental Health Week will be presented with toothbrushes, toothpaste and a book for their school library.

Additionally, the two winning entries in a public service announcement contest open to Primary 5, 6 and 7 students have been produced by the Bermuda Broadcasting Company.