| Quick Links | |
Check out our Oral Health Resource Brochure, now available in the following languages: English
|
| Join Our List |  |
|
|
|
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the May/June edition of the BPHC Office of Oral Health newsletter! We are happy to announce that this is our fifth issue! Please enjoy the updates below. Also, we'd like to invite you to our Boston Oral Health Improvement Coalition meeting taking place on Monday May 16th, 2011, from 9-11am at the Boston Public Health Commission (1010 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA). Please email our office at oralhealth@bphc.org for more details. Thank you all for your continued support in the improvement of Boston's Oral Health! Childcare Providers' Oral Health Training at Project Hope Childcare providers taking a quick quiz before the presentation to test their oral health knowledge. On March 23rd, 2011, the BPHC Office of Oral Health partnered with Project Hope in Roxbury, MA, to provide yet another oral health training for child care providers that centered around the recent Massachusetts regulation that now requires licensees to assist each child with brushing their teeth if the child is in their care for four or more hours, or if the child consumes a meal while in their care. We had a great turnout of approximately sixty providers! The providers shared their experiences implementing the regulation in their child care settings and were provided with a free one-year's supply of children's toothbrushes and toothpaste. Family Wellness Fair and Saturday Open Gym Members of the BPHC Office of Oral Health at the Family Wellness Fair and Saturday Open Gym.
In collaboration with Northeastern University's Healthy Kids Healthy Futures Program, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Child Development and Education, Inc., and various BPHC programs, the BPHC Office of Oral Health hosted a Family Wellness Fair and Saturday Open Gym on April 2nd, 2011, at the Madison Park Community Center in Roxbury, MA. An estimated forty-five families attended and were offered dental screenings, bike helmet fittings, obstacle courses, face-painting, healthy drinks, and connections to medical and dental insurance information. This was a great way to get families together in the community and promote wellness and activity. Great work everyone!
Boston Public School Nurses: Oral Health Training
BPHC's Oral Health Coordinator discussing the effectiveness of fluoride varnish and dental sealants in cavity prevention. On April 12th, 2011, a member of the BPHC's Office of Oral Health and the Environmental Safety Office performed a two hour training to twenty-three Boston Public School nurses. The Environmental Safety Office presented on bed bugs, and the Office of Oral Health presented on the current oral health status of children in Boston, and goals to improve school-aged children's oral health. The nurses also learned about the prevalence of Early Childhood Caries and untreated tooth decay, the systemic effects of poor oral health, the benefits of fluoride varnish & dental sealants, and the school nurse's role in improving oral health outcomes. Torre Unidad Elderly Dental Screening 
Dr. Frank Schiano and his team preparing for a Boston Housing Authority resident's dental screening at the Torre Unidad Housing Development.
The BPHC Office of Oral Health assisted the MDPH Office of Oral Health and Fenway Community Health Center on April 14th, 2011, at a dental screening as part of the Senior Oral Health Improvement Project-aimed to improve the oral health status of Boston Housing Authority residents age sixty and over. Torre Unidad residents engaged in oral health education, as well as free dental screenings and referrals to the Fenway Community Health Center. Nine patients were screened and many made follow up appointments for further dental care and attention.
Boston Centers for Families and Youth -
All Girls Sports Festival A group of teens posing for the camera after participating in the oral health workshop. April 19th, 2011, marked the kickoff of the 10th Annual All Girls Sports Festival in Roxbury, MA, during school vacation week. Girls aged 11-15 participated in sports activities and attended wellness workshops. The Office of Oral Health discussed the dangers of oral piercings and tooth whitening, as well as the importance of wearing an athletic mouth guard. Many of the girls walked in talking about the appeal of oral piercings but left discussing the negative side effects. |
|
Community Spotlight | | |
Communities Putting Prevention to Work: A Partnership between the Mass League of Community Health Centers and the BPHC
Written by:
Shannon Quirk, MSW
Oral Health Affairs Manager
Mass League of Community Health Centers
The Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers (the League) has embarked on an exciting new initiative with the Boston Public Health Commission, Communities Putting Prevention to Work, a two year national initiative to address tobacco use and exposure. As part of this effort the League is working with nine community health centers
(Codman Square, Fenway, South End, South Cove, The Dimock Center, Whittier St, Geiger Gibson, The North End and the Boston Center for the Homeless) to increase the number of oral health patients receiving tobacco screenings and referrals to brief counseling and support services for identified tobacco users. In addition, the League will advocate for policy changes to reimburse tobacco cessation services by oral health providers through public and private insurers.
To help kick off the initiative, UMass Medical Center collaborated with the League to produce 3 eight hour clinical training workshops designed to teach providers the importance and value of tobacco screenings and cessation support. Over 52 dental staff (dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, and office managers) from all 9 centers attended these trainings in late March. Since these trainings, staff has worked with the League on creating new clinical protocols to ensure every adult dental patient is being asked about their tobacco use and that it is documented and discussed. Centers are also providing cessation support options to their dental patients ranging from referrals to QuitWorks and in house cessation counseling to prescribing medications. So far, the data has been promising. The first CHC to collect data showed that 100% (8) dental providers were performing tobacco screenings, and that 162 patients were asked about their tobacco use. The additional 8 CHC's start collecting data on the project in May, and we look forward to the results!
____________________________________________________
 Stop. Rethink Your Drink. Go on Green.
Written by:
Kathy Cunningham, M.Ed, RD, LDN
Senior Program Manager
Boston Public Health Commission
As the warmer weather is approaching, and the intake of beverages increases, Mayor, Thomas M. Menino, with the help of the Boston Public Health Commission, announced on April 7th, 2011, that beverages offered or sold on City property must adhere to limiting sugary beverages. This policy will support Making the Healthy Choice the Easy Choice. To understand the guidelines for defining healthy and unhealthy beverages we are using the Stop Light messages to say:
RED-Beverages are high in sugar, 12 grams per ounce and many also have high sodium and/or fat content. Red beverages contain "empty" calories with little or no nutrient value and contribute to becoming overweight, chronic disease and dental caries.
YELLOW-Beverages have moderate amounts of sugar and sodium or contain artificial sweeteners. 100% Juices, flavored low-fat milk, and diet soda are choices that can be used in moderation.
GREEN-Beverages have no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. These are the healthiest choices, especially tap water. Low-fat milk contains natural sugars and healthy nutrients.
To inform consumers, the posters will be displayed around the city and offer brochures on how to select healthy beverages. BPHC staff will be providing educational opportunities to provide greater explanation of the benefits of selecting healthy beverages at health fairs, faith-based organizations, and summer sites such as camps. If you would like to participate in one of the educational sessions, please contact me at 617-534-5690.
 RED: Stop and Think, Drink rarely, if at all,
YELLOW: A better choice. Drink occasionally,
GO ON GREEN: The healthiest choice! Drink plenty.
|
|
Resources for Healthy Summer Living | | We want to wish everyone a happy, safe, and healthy summer, which is why we found it most fitting to incorporate nutrition and oral health into this edition of the newsletter. Please enjoy these tips and resources on healthy summer living!
Here are some hot-off-the-grill healthy recipes for a summer barbeque.
Taking the kids on a trip this summer and need to pack a few snacks for the ride? Here are a few healthy and low-sugar options:
-low fat yogurt or pudding cup with fresh fruit
-apples or bananas dipped in peanut butter
-snack mix made with shredded wheat squares, peanuts, raisins and pretzels Instead of ice cream, try making homemade popsicles filled with diet root beer or low-sugar lemonade!
This quick, fun computer game encourages kids to practice good oral health by choosing healthy foods! Gather teeth to fill the mouth while picking up healthy foods to score points; you lose points if you eat sugary foods. Watch out for the plaque!
 
Local Farmers' Markets
Check out these interactive maps that help you find a farmers' market or a "Pick your own" farm that is most convienient for you!
Support local farmers and take advantage of healthy produce to enhance your overall wellness. Mark your calendar for these 2011 farmers' market openings near you!
May 17th: opening day at the Copley Square Market
May 23rd: opening day at the Central Square Market
May 25th: opening day at the Davis Square Market
As of June, 2011, 50 MA farmers' markets are accepting food stamps. A complete list of the markets accepting food stamps can be found here.
Want to learn how to shop at a farmers' market? Test your knowledge while learning to shop smarter with the farmers' market quiz.
Want to know the best time to shop for local fruits and veggies? Check out this seasonal foods shopping list!
State Funded Nutrition Programs
The WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
WIC food packages provide supplemental foods designed to meet the special nutritional needs of low-income pregnant women and mothers, infants, and children up to five years old who are at nutritional risk.
Check out the MA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Food Stamps website for information, eligibility requirements, contact information, and an application. |
|
Upcoming Events and Trainings | | |
 National Events
Organization for Safety, Asepsis, and Prevention Symposium- Bridging the Gap to a Safer Oral Healthcare Environment
June 9-12, 2011
Plano, TX
Click here for more details.
ADA 25th New Dentist Conference
June 16-18, 2011
Chicago, IL
APHA 2011 Midyear Meeting
June 23-25, 2011
Chicago, IL
Medicaid/SCHIP Dental Association (MSDA): National Medicaid and CHIP Oral Health Symposium
June 27-28, 2011
Washington D.C.
ADA Evidence-Based Dentistry Champions Conference
July 28, 2011
Chicago, IL
ADA Institute for Diversity in Leadership
September 9, 2011
Chicago, IL
ADA Annual Session 2011
October 10, 2011
Las Vegas, NV
APHA 2011 Annual Meeting and Exposition
October 29- November 2, 2011
Washington D.C.
Local Events
6th Annual Minority AIDS Initiative Multicultural HIV/AIDS Provider Summit
May 6, 2011
Taunton, MA
The Fifth Annual Unite Pou La Sante Health Fair/United for Health
May 7, 2011
Mattapan, MA
The Second Annual Reede Scholars Health Equity Symposium
May 12, 2011
Boston, MA
Patient Navigation: Community Health Workers Transforming the Patient Experience
May 12, 2011
Marlborough, MA
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Free Head and Neck Cancer Screening
May 13, 2011
Boston, MA
Click here for details. AIM for Healthy Living Health Fair-Roxbury Community College
May 14, 2011 Roxbury, MA Click here for details.
Oral Health Training for Community Health Workers in MA
May 24, 2011
Boston, MA
Click here for more details.
Oral Health Training for Community Health Workers in MA
June 7, 2011
Worcester, MA
3rd Tufts Summer Institute on Web Strategies for Health Communication
July 17-22, 2011
Boston, MA
Oral Health Training for Community Health Workers in MA
September 13, 2011
Worcester, MA
Oral Health Training for Community Health Workers in MA
October 4, 2011
Worchester, MA
|
|
|
Boston Public Health Commission
