One of the goals of PRASAD CDHP has been to expand our services to include the many teens who do not have access to dental health information and care. Several forms of periodontal disease can manifest in adolescence, which is why learning better habits and seeking treatment is important for teens. In 2007, thanks to funding from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and the Sullivan County Youth Bureau, PRASAD CDHP began outreach to this age group.
PRASAD CDHP brings the Smiles for Teens program to middle schools, high schools and other sites in Sullivan County. Recognizing the need to encourage personal responsibility for one’s own dental health, we teach the importance of brushing, flossing, and the relationship between diet and oral health.
The presentation is designed specially to appeal to teens. Lessons include everything from how to read nutritional labels, to the effect that tooth-bleaching products have on young enamel that has yet to be solidified. Smoking and chewing tobacco are habits that can be picked up at an early age, so our educators show and tell the students about the harmful effects these substances have on the body as a whole, and on oral health specifically.
After the initial presentation, the educator does a follow-up visit to each class with a question and answer session. By the numbers, the program works. From 2007 to 2010, nearly 2,785 middle and high school students have received dental health education information and materials from PRASAD CDHP’s dental health educator, and 651 students in the same age group have applied for and received follow-up care and treatment to improve their oral health.
