Some people step into dentistry. Others step forward and reshape what it can do. Adeniké, also known as Emma, is one of the latter. Motivated by a desire to give children the oral health education she wished more families had access to, she created a social enterprise (SE) that now brings practical, empowering lessons directly to children and young people. Her passion for community-led change has just been recognised on a national stage, as she received the Inspirational Dental Nurse Award at the Dental Nursing Awards. Presented by the Chair of the GDC and the Chair of the SBDN in Manchester, the award highlights what everyone who meets her already knows: Adeniké’s commitment, energy and heart make her a true inspiration.
What inspired you to take the NEBDN Oral Health Education course?
I started my oral health education social enterprise in December last year, but I always felt I should have a qualification behind me. When visiting primary schools with my social enterprise partner, I wanted to make sure my knowledge was accurate and up to date. I asked my Dental Nursing lecturer at Portsmouth University whether studying OHE would be worthwhile and she agreed it would. When I searched “oral health education qualification” online, Dental Nurse Network came up first. After reading the positive Trustpilot reviews, I trusted I would be in good hands, and thankfully I passed.
How did you find the learning experience? What were your favourite parts or challenges?
Learning online suited me because I could structure my study days around my schedule. The videos were thorough and easy to follow, and PebblePad was simple to use for submitting work. I loved having the full module booklet to annotate on my iPad, which helped me create flashcards early on and deepen my understanding with YouTube videos when needed.
My favourite part was applying everything in practice. I enjoyed demonstrating oral hygiene techniques to patients, using dental models and interdental brushes. My first patient interaction didn’t go as planned because I tried to memorise everything word for word instead of letting the conversation flow naturally, but it taught me a lot.
The most challenging part was matching the right patient groups to the correct topic ranges. For example, pregnant or nursing mothers are more suitable for the “prevention and control of periodontal disease” topic due to hormonal changes that affect gum health. I realised too late that I should have planned my patient selection more carefully. Using Dentally helped because I could see upcoming appointments at home and prepare in advance. My advice is to be proactive and ask clinicians which patients might fit each topic.
What skills or knowledge have been most useful since qualifying?
The most valuable skill I’ve gained is the habit of researching beyond the course content. Melanie Pomphrett often encouraged further reading in the videos, and I now see how important that is for staying current and proactive.
My understanding of oral hygiene for different patient groups has also strengthened, especially the science behind everyday advice like brushing at a 45-degree angle and brushing at night. Knowing the “why” helps you explain things clearly and confidently to patients. This has boosted my confidence both in practice and when teaching children in schools.
How did you feel when you found out you had passed?
I was extremely elated because passing was one of my goals for 2025. I was a little anxious beforehand since sometimes you expect the best and it doesn’t happen, so seeing that pass result meant a lot.
What inspired you to start visiting schools and forming your social enterprise?
Working with dentists last year opened my eyes to how many paediatric patients have poor oral hygiene. Sadly, some parents lack the knowledge themselves, and this carries through to their children. With the NHS no longer visiting schools due to funding, I thought to myself: why not be the change I want to see?
I started an Instagram page called Dentucate to educate people about oral health but soon realised that children might not see the posts. So, in November 2024, I went to my old primary school on a Monday morning and told the headteacher about my social enterprise idea. I then asked my close friend and now partner, Berangere Mvuemba, who is also a qualified dental nurse, to join me. She loved the idea. As we brainstormed names at my house, I quickly came up with “Denttour – touring London giving dental advice”, and it stuck.
Tell us about your OHE social enterprise
Every Monday we visit primary schools across London to give oral health advice to Year 3 and Year 4 pupils, as supervised brushing usually stops around that age. We provide oral health education sessions and oral care packages, with an Oral-B electric toothbrush as a prize for each class. Our aim is to give children the confidence and knowledge to build habits that last a lifetime.
What has been the most challenging part of launching and running your social enterprise?
The admin side has been the most demanding. Emailing schools, calling them during lunch breaks and sometimes visiting in person can be tiring, especially when balancing driving lessons on Mondays. Schools don’t always follow up, which can be discouraging, so we decided to run our own community events as well. Our session for homeschooling children was especially appreciated.
Social media is another challenge. My partner handles most of it, but storage issues on our phones and sending footage between an Android and an iPhone can make posting difficult.
What has been the most rewarding part of sharing oral health education in your community?
Organising our event for homeschooling children was incredibly rewarding. It was self-funded except for sponsorship from Dental Nurse Network, who contributed towards the photographer. It reminded us that even when schools don’t respond, we can still make an impact.
Any memorable moments or feedback that stayed with you?
After a session at a primary school in Rotherhithe, my SE partner had to return because she had forgotten something. When she arrived, the children ran to her car and one girl proudly showed that she now knew how to floss. Moments like that remind me how much impact you can have on young minds and how education can truly shift someone’s oral health journey.
What are your goals or dreams for your social enterprise?
Our main goal is to visit as many primary schools in London as possible, continuing to share our message of early education creating lifelong smiles. We also hope to bring oral care packages to children in disadvantaged areas in Nigeria or the Congo. We have one major plan underway that we can’t reveal just yet, but we’re excited for what’s coming next year.
What advice would you give to current OHE students or anyone considering the course?
Attend the Zoom meetings and ask questions whenever you’re unsure. Actively check your feedback on PebblePad and use it to improve. By the end of the course, you’ll feel much more confident speaking to patients.
Make flashcards and revision notes early. A little a day goes a long way. Don’t compare yourself to others on the course. If someone finishes their patient cases quickly, use it as motivation, not discouragement. You don’t know their circumstances and everyone progresses at their own pace.
How can oral health education make a difference in everyday life?
Oral health education helps people understand the links between oral hygiene and wider health issues like diabetes, cancer and systemic diseases. When people realise oral hygiene affects more than just their mouth, they take it more seriously and become more proactive.
Social enterprise pages: DenttourUK on TikTok and Instagram
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Personal Instagram: Adeniké.ea
Personal email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We hope to host another event before the year ends, so keep an eye on our TikTok, especially if you’re in London. If you’re a teacher or headteacher, or you know someone who is, we would be delighted to visit your school. We’re happy to travel as far as Manchester, so please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
