DO GOOD: A Day With The Tooth Fairy by Ginger Froncek



Sixty-five volunteers were stranded when inclement weather stalled the tooth fairy's arrival on National Tooth Fairy Day in Phoenix, Arizona. But the cold and rain did not dampen their spirits or their fun!

The Arizona Dental Foundation and the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation created the Tooth Fairy Stroll in an effort to share the importance of good oral health among families with young children.

Tooth fairies of every shape and size gathered at the Children's Museum of Phoenix for wings and wands, and then strolled a half-mile to the Arizona Community Clinic. There they received free screenings, fluoride, and hygiene education. It was a sparkly affair with crafts, games, and a collection of community clinics for treatment referrals. Strollers returned to the museum for goodie bags and a race ribbon.

Volunteers from A.T. Still University's Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health conducted oral screenings, while Phoenix College Dental Hygiene School volunteers—replete with tutus and tiaras—applied fluoride varnish.

"The students in my hygiene class took on the Tooth Fairy Stroll as their volunteer project this year," said Kathy LaVoy, RDH, MEd, an experienced dental professional and hygiene instructor at Phoenix College. "They have commented to me on what a wonderful day it was to give back to our community and help so many children. As their teacher, I found it especially meaningful to see my students jump in wherever they were needed—parking, OHI booths, information booths—dressed in pink and tulle. All in all... a terrific day for patients and volunteers."





Ginger Froncek serves as the executive director of the Arizona Dental Foundation and the Arizona Community Dental Clinic. These organizations work together to respond to the oral-health needs of children, seniors, individuals who are medically compromised or have a developmental disability, and working poor families statewide. Learn more at azdentalfoundation.org or acdcdental.org




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