Senior Oral Health Project - Collaboration with MDPH, BHA and Fenway CHC to implement a free comprehensive dental service and referral for low-income seniors residing in BHA developments.more>>   

Barbershop Oral Health Initiative - Collaboration with Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Dimock CHC to provide oral health education, screening, referrals, and health promotion for low income African American and Latino men and their families. In addition to dental screening, education and referrals, we are also gathering data through the use of a survey to better understand their knowledge, practice, beliefs and barriers to dental care. more>>  

Oral Health in Childcare - The Office of Oral Health is working closely with childcare agencies to help home-based child care providers implement the new state tooth brushing regulation. The Office of Oral Health offers workshops to help childcare providers understand the new protocol, proper oral hygiene techniques, and also provides oral hygiene supplies and materials for their use. more>>

Oral Health in Schools - We are currently developing strategies for increasing oral health activities for the 2011-2012 school year. We have discussed a plan to 1) Provide oral health guidance to BPS health service staff 2) Train school nurse staff on service guidelines and referral options and 3) Certify school-linked oral health programs. more>> 

Tobacco Prevention - The Office of Oral Health is partnering with Boston Tobacco Prevention and Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) in their efforts to reduce tobacco use in Boston communities. Free two-week supplies of nicotine patches are being distributed by QuitWorks, a free, evidence-based referral service that connects patients with phone-based counseling to help them stop smoking. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or click here 

The Office of Oral Health is working in collaboration with the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, Northeastern University, and JSI to implement QuitWorks at dental clinics in 10 - 14 Community Health Centers throughout Boston.  more>>

From Left: Laura Barlow (FCHC Hygienist), Diane Ranaudo (Foley Apartments Resident), Joyce Starr (Program Coordinator, MDPH)

On October 14th the Senior Oral Health Project team headed to Foley housing development for our eleventh oral health screening. Seniors who attended the event received free oral screenings and oral health education. Those who needed follow-up care were able to make appointments for follow up treatments at the Fenway Community Health Center. This dental care is free for seniors living in Boston Housing Authority developments who are age 60 and older. These screening have been taking place monthly since December 2009.

One resident stumbled upon the screening while doing his laundry. He was seen by Dr. Schiano and an appointment was made for him to have a new upper denture made. The patient could not stop thanking everyone involved and commented on how surprised he was to find this opportunity while doing his laundry. Diane Ranaudo (Foley Apartments resident) expressed to us, "Thank you so much. It is good to know the right things to do to keep my teeth." Diane is very proud of the fact that she has retained all of her natural adult teeth. She was eager to learn more ways to maintain her good oral health. We are looking forward to checking back with the seniors to see how their appointments went and check out their new smiles!  To learn more about the Senior Oral Health Project, visit our website here.