Is it more expensive to buy accredited products? Expand No. Accredited products are not automatically more expensive. The scheme includes a wide range of items – from well-known premium brands to supermarket value products. The accreditation logo simply shows that the claims have been checked, not that the product is a higher-priced option.
Why haven’t I seen the logo on every good product? Expand The presence of the logo means the claims have been independently verified and are not exaggerated, providing reassurance for consumers and adding credibility for the brand. The absence of the logo does not mean a product doesn’t work. Many excellent products may not carry the logo on the pack; this may be because the brand is not aware of the scheme, or may only be using the ‘Approved’ mark on digital marketing.
Does accreditation last forever? Expand No. It lasts for a fixed period. A three-year licence agreement is granted when a product gains approval through accreditation. If a product changes or new claims are added, the accreditation must be reviewed again. Accreditation can be withdrawn if the logo is misused.
Why do some products have the logo on the pack and others don’t? Expand Not all companies choose to apply for accreditation. Some products may have applied, but failed to gain accreditation due to a lack of sufficient evidence. Some international brands may be using the accreditation on digital marketing, but not on the pack.
Can companies pay to get accredited? Expand No. Companies cannot buy approval. If the evidence does not support the claims, the product is not accredited. There are fees to cover the cost of running the scheme: The initial one-off payment for the Panel Review, this cover’s the independent expert panel member fees; and The annual licence fee charged for the right to use or display the accreditation mark on pack, digital marketing assets, retail activation and advertising.
Are accredited products safer than non-accredited ones? Expand Accreditation is not a safety guarantee. Most oral care products on sale are safe. Accreditation helps you know that the product’s claimed benefits are reliable, not exaggerated.
Do you test products yourselves? Expand No. We do not carry out laboratory testing on products. Instead, we ask for four samples so our independent expert panel can review the claims being made. The panel checks that these claims are supported by evidence and match the explanation provided by the brand owner. As part of the application, brands must explain why each claim is being made and support this with reliable evidence. This can include published research, clinical studies or consumer research. If the panel feels the evidence is not sufficient, or the claims require it, they may ask for additional testing to be carried out before accreditation can be granted.
Does accreditation mean the product is the “best” on the market? Expand No. Accreditation does not compare products or rank them. It simply confirms that the claims a product makes are truthful and supported by evidence.
What does the accreditation logo actually mean? Expand It means that the Oral Health Foundation has checked the claims made about the product and confirmed that they are fair, accurate and backed by reliable evidence. It helps you know the product does what it says it does.
Does the scheme help the charity? Expand Yes. Income from the scheme helps fund the Oral Health Foundation’s charitable work, including public campaigns, education, and activities to improve oral health around the world.