In Recognition Of Children's Dental Health Month, Kool Smiles And Institute For America's Health Bring Dental Hygiene Education Program To Elementary Schools

Campaign to Address Nation's Dental Health Crisis Starts in the Classroom: Kool Smiles will donate 50,000 toothbrushes for teachers who use the lesson plans



ATLANTA, Feb. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The dire state of oral health for many children across America has led Kool Smiles, a leading provider of quality dental care in underserved communities nationwide, to partner with the Institute for America's Health (IAH), a non-profit organization focused on advancing the health of our nation's youth through education, to launch a dental education program in recognition of Children's Dental Health Month. The program is designed for children in grades K-5 and includes free lesson plans and toothbrushes to teach students about good oral health.

"The Surgeon General has determined oral care to be the leading unmet need for children across America today, and tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease," said Dr. Polly Buckey, DDS, Managing Dental Director at Kool Smiles. "Kool Smiles' dentists take the time in office to educate our young patients and their parents about proper dental hygiene practices, so it made sense to take our practice into the classroom and assist teachers in talking with students about the importance of good oral health.  Our curriculum aids educators on how to demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques and how to develop great oral health habits that will take them into adulthood."

IAH is teaming up with local Kool Smiles dentists to introduce the curriculum in K-5 partner schools across the nation as part of its ongoing WAY to a Healthier America (WHA) initiative.

"The WHA program is designed to foster a culture of wellness in schools by giving teachers training and resources to create positive behavior change in key areas of health, such as nutrition and hygiene," said Stuart Reese, Executive Director of IAH. "We are excited to work with Kool Smiles dentists to bring educational activities and toothbrushes to our partner schools and promote good oral health in our classrooms during National Children's Dental Health Month and beyond."

The K-5 lesson plans are available to all K-5 teachers and can be downloaded directly from the Kool Smiles website. Educators who download the lesson plans will receive free toothbrushes (one for each student in the classroom) to help students practice good oral hygiene.

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