Preschool-Based Oral Health Programs
GSDM’s community efforts include providing screenings and/or oral health education to over 2,000 children in 23 Boston-area preschools, day care centers, Early Head Start, and Head Start programs; oral health education to parents and guardians; and oral health education to preschool teachers, staff, and administrators.
Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) Early Head Start (EHS) and Head Start (HS): Oral health screenings and referrals were offered to children enrolled in three ABCD Early Head Start centers located in Dorchester, East Boston, and the South End. Additionally, two workshops on oral health were presented: one to the parents enrolled in the home-based program and one to teachers and staff, both at the ABCD HS/EHS Dorchester.
Dental health education was provided to children in 19 classrooms at the four ABCD South Boston Head Start centers (Orton Marrotta, Old Colony, South Baptist, and West Broadway) and ABCD Head Start Dorchester. GSDM students and members of the Student National Dental Association (SNDA) along with BU predental students helped CHP faculty carry out oral health education at the South Boston centers. The group split into pairs to work with the children on age-appropriate oral health activities, expressing their enthusiasm for getting out of the classroom and into the community to positively impact children who wouldn’t normally have access to this type of opportunity.
Associated Early Care and Education: Associated Early Care and Education provides affordable childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschool children of working families in the greater Boston area. CHP’s oral health program offers dental health education, oral screenings, and fluoride varnish applications to children as well as staff and parent training at the Jamaica Plain, Sunnyside, Ruggles/Gilday, and Castle Square sites.
Chelsea Head Start (CAPIC): Dental education, screenings, and fluoride varnish applications were provided twice each year for 250 Head Start children ages three to five years enrolled in the CAPIC Head Start (Chelsea, Revere, Winthrop) Program. An oral health workshop was offered to CAPIC parents that included a description of GSDM’s oral health services to CAPIC, the availability dental services at the Chelsea School Dental Center, and information on a variety of dental and nutrition topics pertinent to parents of young children. A CHP representative is an active member of the CAPIC Head Start Health Advisory Committee.
Chelsea Revere Family Network: CHP provided oral health education and dental screenings to preschool children in two day care centers, the CAPIC Arlington Street Day Care and Kangaroo’s Pouch, during the 2010-2011 school year. This annual event helps to remind parents and caregivers to initiate good oral health habits and routine dental care early. Dental screenings were conducted for approximately 80 children between the ages of 3 and 5 years. A CHP faculty member serves each year as the health representative on the CRFN Advisory Council.
Crispus Attucks Children’s Center: Dental screenings and age appropriate oral health education were offered to the children enrolled in Crispus Attucks Children’s Center in Dorchester. The center with 15 classrooms serves children between the ages of 6 weeks to six years.
Framingham SMOC Head Start: As a part of the SEAL Framingham Program, 160 preschool children were provided oral screenings, fluoride trainings, and oral health education. A presentation on Early Childhood Caries was given to SMOC staff to increase their understanding of this disease and how it can affect young children. Two oral health information sessions were presented to 80 parents whose children attend the program, providing an opportunity to educate parents about oral health as well as increase their awareness of the many community services available to them in the Framingham area.
Greater Lawrence Area Community Child Care Center (GLCAC): Dental screenings and fluoride varnish applications were provided to 158 preschool children. Oral health training was given to over 40 day care teachers and aides to inform them of the importance of oral health for preschoolers and how tooth decay can be prevented through a tooth brushing program. CHP faculty participated in a GLCAC family night for 75 parents presenting oral health information with the use of interactive displays.
Horizons for Homeless Children (HHC): Oral health education, screenings, and fluoride varnish treatments were offered to all children ages 6 weeks to 6 years enrolled at Horizons for Homeless Children Dorchester and Jamaica Plain in 2010-2011. Teacher training was provided to the teachers and staff at the Dorchester site.
Natick Summer Program for Children with Special Health Care Needs: Preschool children with varying levels of health care needs received oral health education at this summer program held at the Bennett-Hemenway School in Natick. Classroom activities included the reading of a dental storybook and toothbrushing demonstrations. Over fifty children and staff participate annually and families receive beneficial oral health materials.
