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| January/February 2011 | Vol 2, Issue 1 |
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The Office of Oral Health hosted its first Commission-wide Dental Benefits/Systemic Effects of Oral Health Information Session on 12-10-10. |
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Boston Public Health Commission
Office of Oral Health
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Dear Friends, | |
 Welcome to the January/February edition of the Office of Oral Health newsletter!
As we begin the new year, we can all obtain a fresh outlook on ways we can improve the oral health of residents in the city of Boston. Whether it be within our own families, through the workplace, or in the community, why not make one new year's resolution to be more active in improving oral health!
February is National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM)!
 "Turn Up Your Smile Power!" is the theme for this year's National Children's Dental Health Month. This national health initiative, which began in 1981, is sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA) and helps to increase awareness of the fundamental importance of good oral health not only for children but for adults, caregivers, teachers, nurses, and others in the community. Help spread the word!
9th Annual "Give Kids a Smile Day"
The American Dental Association's (ADA) "Give Kids a Smile Day" will be hosted this year on February 4, 2011. Participating dental professionals will be offering certain oral health services at minimal cost to low-income children and families across the nation. The ADA estimates the program will reach almost 400,000 children this year!! The Office of Oral Health is proud to report that several of Boston's dental schools and community health centers will be holding their own "Give Kids a Smile Day" programs as part of their ongoing efforts to assist children in need of dental care. |
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Community Spotlight |
 Smart Smiles in Boston Public Schools
Written by:
Kathryn M. Dolan RDH, MEd
Director, Tufts Community Dental Programs Assistant Professor
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Department of Public Health and Community Service
Dental caries is the most common chronic childhood disease, five times more common than asthma. If left untreated, dental caries can inhibit learning, affect speech and eating, and lead to problems in school and poor nutrition. Oral Health is critically important to overall health and contributes to the healthy growth and development of children and adolescents.
The Smart Smiles Dental Program in the Boston Public Schools is a coordinated school health program that strives to reduce the experience of dental caries in children and improve children's oral health in the City of Boston.
In 2004, Smart Smiles began as a pilot project providing dental sealants to second and third grade children in the Boston Public Schools. The program has grown and currently offers comprehensive dental treatment to all grades at most Boston Public Elementary Schools.
The dental services are delivered at school by licensed dentists and dental hygienists in an environment that the children are comfortable and familiar with. Classroom lessons related to oral health topics further prepare the children for dental care at school.
Comprehensive services include routine dental exams and diagnosis, dental x-rays, dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, restorations (fillings), oral hygiene instruction, referral to specialty services and recall appointments.
Last year, over 4000 children participated at 60 Boston Public Schools and there was an estimated value of $400,000 delivered in free care.
The community partners responsible for making Smart Smiles a success in the Boston Public Schools include:
- Boston Public Health Commission's Office of Oral Health
- Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
- Commonwealth Mobile Oral Health Services LLC
- DentaQuest Foundation
- Forsyth School for Dental Hygiene at MCPHS
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Office of Oral Health
- Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
For more information on how your school and/or your child can participate, call the Smart Smiles School-Based Coordinator at 617 638-6383. |
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| Resources | |
 Fortunately, there are many free resources and easy-to-do activities available to engage children in oral health topics! If you're looking for a fun, new project for your group of children or students, what about a dental health poster contest or creating an oral health bulletin board??! Children who enjoy video games will love this Toothpaste vs. Bacteria Dental Game where toothpaste helps destroy bacteria villains here!
For free oral health education materials and activities, please visit:
Do you have a question about dental health for children?
- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health "Ask the Dental Hygienist" Blog is a great resource for you to ask dental health questions and get answers directly from a licensed dental professional within 2 business days.
 Also, the Massachusetts Dental Society's (MDS) Totline allows you to ask questions to a MDS Member-dentist or staff member.
Are you trying to find dental insurance for a child?
 The Boston Public Health Commission's Mayor's Health Line is a free and confidential multilingual information and referral health line service that can help you find the most appropriate and cost-effective dental insurance information. - To find dentists in your state who participate in State Children's Health Insurance Programs (SCHIP) and Medicaid, visit the Insure Kids Now website, or call the Insure Kids Now hotline at 1-877-KIDS-NOW.
Interested in volunteering in the Boston-area to help reduce pediatric oral diseases?
 Bridge Over Troubled Waters serves 2,433 youth, ages 14-24, every year in the Boston area to provide health, dental, educational, career, and housing services for high-risk, runaway and homeless youth in the hopes they will achieve healthy and productive adulthood. This organization has an Open Door Policy, and offers a fully operational Dental Clinic staffed by volunteer dentists and students from Harvard and Tufts Dental Schools.
 Project Stretch is a private, voluntary, non-profit corporation that was founded in 1988 by a small group of Boston-area dental professionals who wanted to provide vital dental services to children in need. Dentists, dental students, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and other volunteers donate their time for outreach programs in the United States and Mexico.
Do you know a child that would benefit from a free or low-cost mouthguard?
More than 5 million teeth are knocked out each year due to a sports injury, accident, or play. Massachusetts dentists participating in the "Grin and Wear It Mouthguard Program" have volunteered to fit school-aged children with custom-made mouthguards at a discounted or nominal fee. Find a "Grin and Wear It Mouthguard Program" participating dentist today!
"Pros In the Profession" Award Program
 Crest Oral-B has launched an award program to recognize 'Pros In The Profession' from September 2010 to April 2011. Nominations can be submitted by clicking here.
Healthy People 2020 Oral Health Objectives Released
 On December 2, 2010 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released Healthy People 2020, the 10-year national objectives for promoting health and preventing disease to reduce existing national disparities. Several Healthy People 2020 Oral Health Objectives have been retained or modified from Healthy People 2010, while other Oral Health Objectives are completely new to Healthy People. The Office of Oral Health encourages the public to stay involved and informed with the most current oral health goals and targets.
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| Upcoming Events and Trainings | |
*We invite our oral health partners to email our office if there is an upcoming event or training that you would like to see included in this section!
2011 Yankee Dental Congress
January 26-30, 2011
Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Boston, MA
Click here for details.
The Science of Research on Discrimination and Health Conference (National Cancer Institute)
February 2-4, 2011
Natcher Conference Center, Bethesda, MD
Click here for details.
National Health Policy Conference
February 7-8, 2011
J.W. Marriott, Washington, DC
Click here for details.
2011 Public Health Preparedness Summit
February 22-25, 2011
Marriott Marquis Hotel, Peachtree Center, Atlanta, GA
Click here for details.
14th Annual Health Education Advocacy Summit - (Society for Public Health Education)
March 5-7, 2011
Washington Court Hotel, Washington, DC
Click here for details.
Boston Public Health Commission 'Basic Skills for Working with Smokers'
March 22 & 29, 2011
1010 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA
Click here for details.
Massachusetts Public Health Dental Hygienist Continuing Education
March 27, 2011
Union Station, 125A Pleasant Street, Northampton, MA 01060
Click here for details.
Association for Community Health Improvement 2011 Conference
March 29-31, 2011
Hilton Hotel, Austin, TX
Click here for details.
27th Annual Oral Health & HIV Symposium
March 31, 2011
Boston Marriot Newton, Newton, MA
Click here for details.
2011 National Oral Health Conference
April 11-13, 2011
Westin Convention Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Click here for details.
2011 Public Health Services & Systems Research Keeneland Conference
April 12-14, 2011
Hyatt Regency, Lexington, Kentucky.
Click here for details.
American Public Health Association 2011 Midyear Meeting
June 23-25, 2011
Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, Chicago, IL
Click here for details.
American Public Health Association 2011 Annual Meeting & Exposition
October 29-November 2, 2011
Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC
Click here for details. |
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If you would like to get involved or have any updates to share, please email our office at oralhealth@bphc.org. Watch for our March newsletter! Best Regards,
Andrea Lam and the Oral Health Team
BPHC Office of Oral Health |
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