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DO GOOD: Dental Hygienists Do Global Good with America's Toothfairy by Fern Ingber

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America's ToothFairy: National Children's Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF) announced a new partnership with the International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH) in February. The goal of the partnership is to increase public awareness of oral-disease prevention and to promote positive oral-health behaviors among at-risk children and their families. Although pediatric dental disease is almost totally preventable, it's one of the most prevalent chronic childhood diseases in the United States and affects 60 percent to 90 percent of school children worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

This partnership provides multiple opportunities for IFDH members to expand their roles as community health educators and oral-health advocates by participating in America's ToothFairy programs for vulnerable children.

Raising smiles
Throughout February, which is National Children's Dental Health Month, dental hygienists joined the America's ToothFairy Smile Drive, an annual campaign to raise oral-health awareness and collect oral-care products for at-risk children. Alongside students, health professionals, business leaders, and other volunteer groups, dental hygienists and dental hygiene students held toothbrush and toothpaste collection drives at their dental practices, schools, local pharmacies, and other locations. All of the oral-care products collected were donated to nonprofit charities serving children in their communities.

Dental hygienists also participate in the Esther Wilkins Education Program (EWEP). This America's ToothFairy initiative expands the role of dental hygienists and dental hygiene students as prevention specialists by providing educational assets for community outreach. These assets include the ToothFairy 101 Community Education Kit, a comprehensive tool that includes educational lessons, a magnetic board, a giant toothbrush, and visual aids that help improve oral-health literacy. The kit covers nutrition, germ transmission and prevention, mouth safety, tobacco, and infant care, as well as basic preventive strategies appropriate for children of all ages and learning levels.

In return for the kit, members of the program agree to conduct a minimum of four community educational activities annually.

Using sticks
Mindy Levine, a dental hygienist in Toronto, used the kit to train local teachers and students during a trip to the villages of Uganda.

"The children were excited to see a toothbrush and learn what it is used for," Levine said, noting the significant need for oral-health education in places like rural Uganda. "Some of the families use sticks to clean their teeth or use nothing at all. It was an incredible experience to … be able to share oral-health education with these wonderful children."

Last year, EWEP members reached nearly 50,000 children and caregivers across the United States, in Canada and internationally through mission trips and international volunteerism.

"We are proud to work alongside America's ToothFairy: National Children's Oral Health Foundation to mutually advance our missions through an array of joint activities," said Dr. JoAnn Gurenlian, president of the International Federation of Dental Hygienists. "This partnership will provide new opportunities to drive positive oral-health behaviors among children and their families and increase public awareness that oral disease can be prevented through proven regimens."

Collaboration with the IFDH and its network of more than 77,000 dental hygienists in 28 countries will help pave the way for America's ToothFairy to further expand its programs and educational resources to children and families in need, worldwide.

Leaving no one behind
As oral-health advocates and prevention specialists, dental hygienists play a critical role in helping children develop positive oral-health behaviors. With the International Federation of Dental Hygienists, we at America's ToothFairy look forward to expanding and enhancing services for vulnerable children not only in the United States and Canada, but also for families around the globe.

America's ToothFairy is dedicated to raising awareness of pediatric dental disease (one of the most prevalent chronic, untreated diseases in children); facilitating the delivery of comprehensive oral-health services; and eliminating this preventable disease from future generations. With a growing affiliate network of exemplary nonprofit community programs, Kids Club, and professional and student service programs, America's ToothFairy is building a powerful, united effort to eliminate tooth decay and protect the smiles of vulnerable children. To get involved, visit www.AmericasToothFairy.org.



Fern K. Ingber is the founding president and CEO of America's ToothFairy: National Children's Oral Health Foundation. Under her leadership, America's ToothFairy has delivered more than $14 million in vital, community-based programs, educational materials, oral-care products and financial grants through its network of affiliate partners and community programs.


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