Dental Education

Purpose

No direct dental care is provided at the health department.  However, a dental educator teaches the "Friends for Life Program".  The purpose of the program is to introduce lifestyle changes to children and others which decrease the chances of tooth decay and serve as a point of intervention for those children not accustomed to regular dental care.

Oklahoma State Department of Health Program

American Dental Association Web site:  http://www.ada.org

Services

For schools:

During a series of three visits to the classroom, each lasting about 45 minutes, a dental educator presents lessons and gives demonstrations in the following areas:

• Proper brushing and flossing techniques
• Importance of healthy eating habits
• Typical dental office personnel and equipment
• Tobacco use prevention

During the first visit, each child will receive a free toothbrush and dental education.

For daycare facilities:

The dental educator will come to the facility for one lesson and demonstration in the following areas:

• Proper brushing and flossing techniques
• Importance of healthy eating habits
• Typical dental office personnel and equipment

These are usually scheduled in the summer months when school is out.

For nursing homes:

The dental educator will come to the facility for an hour presentation for the employees concerning dental care for the elderly.  These are usually scheduled in the summer months when school is out.

Enrollment Criteria

Any school, daycare, or nursing home representative is eligible to schedule an appointment.

Fee

No fee is charged

Hours

Monday through Friday
8:00 to 5:00 with appointment.

How to make an appointment

Services are provided by appointment only on a first come, first served basis.  For day cares and nursing homes, appointments are usually scheduled in the summer months.  Telephone number is (405) 258-2640.

Providers

Dental educator comes to the facility for the presentation.