Presentation Information
These dental health encounters are listed to be used in school and community settings to inform persons in designated groupings about dental health topics. Topics are to be taught in the suggested sequence. This ensures that a base of knowledge is in place as the variety of topics can be added as age progresses.
Persons enjoy greater exposure to dental health education if the topics are taught singly at different times throughout the year. Some topics are covered in more than one level in order to reinforce knowledge and behavior as well as to provide additional information regarding that topic.
Please understand this listing is not all inclusive but is meant to bring about a more thorough and lasting dental health education experience.
Rita Hope, RDH, LCSW (mailto:rhope@isdh.in.gov)
State Dental Hygienist
Suggested Age-Specific Sequential Dental Health Education Encounters
|
LEVEL: |
TOPICS: | |
|---|---|---|
|
Prenatal |
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (BBTD), Pregnancy and oral health, Nipples and Pacifiers, Caring for baby's mouth | |
|
Early Childhood Preschool |
Why teeth are important (animals, dinosaurs), Dentist as a friend, Role-playing visit to the dentist, "safe" dental "things" to touch, puppets with teeth to brush, many dental books to read aloud and art projects. | |
|
Kindergarten |
What teeth do, Primary teeth, Friendly dental visit | |
|
First Grade |
Process of decay, Primary teeth and Six=year molar importance, Dental visits (X-rays, Fillings, Toothpaste, selection -- Fluoride, ADA seal) | |
|
Second Grade |
Types of teeth, Pit and Fissure sealants (PFS), Permanent teeth | |
|
Upper Elementary (3rd - 5th) |
Parts of a tooth, Gingivitis and plaque, Keeping teeth safe (Use of mouthguards, Playground safety, Injury Prevention), Dental emergencies, Dental care products, Dental specialists | |
|
Middle School (6th - 8th) |
Introduction to dental careers, Cosmetic dentistry, Dental consumer concerns, Fluorides, Community dental health programs (Fluoridation, Community dental treatment sites), Research in oral health, Oral piercing |
*It is understood that brushing instruction will be given at every level with flossing instruction added when child's manual dexterity is developed sufficiently to undertake the process.
Nutritional instruction is also to be given at each level and to be geared in sophistication according to the children's learning level as to carbohydrate-sugar content, acidic content, consistency of foodstuff and frequency and time of ingestion.
Discussion on smokeless tobacco/smoking can be aligned with substance abuse prevention programming that may already be present in the facility. Materials are available for as young as second grade.
Acknowledgments:
State of Maine Office of Dental Health
Carol Caudill, LDH - Bartholomew County Health Department
Susie Zervic, LDH - Marion County Health Department
Carmin Griffis, BSPH, RDH
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