Toothbrush kits donated by the Delta Dental of Kansas Foundation are being distributed to seven elementary schools as part of the Fort Hays State University Pre-Dental Club’s preventative oral health education program.
1,400 kits containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss have been going out to Ellis County elementary schools since Oct. 1 as part of the oral health education program.
Washington Elementary in Ellis, Victoria Grade School in Victoria; and Lincoln, O’Loughlin, Roosevelt, Wilson and Washington elementary schools in Hays are the schools the FHSU Pre-Dental Club will visit as a part of this program.
“Western Kansas has a shortage of dental providers, and it is important that young children be taught lifelong habits for good oral health,” said Leigh Reynolds in a press release by FHSU University Relations. Reynolds is the President of the FHSU Pre-Dental Club.
The program features four activity stations that last 15 minutes each. Station 1 is devoted to nutrition.
Station 2 will teach basic brushing habits using the book “Dr. Rabbit Wants to Say,” by Colgate. The Second Station will also feature the video, “Brushing Magic with Dudley the Dinosaur.”
Station 3 will show good brushing and flossing techniques through the use of “brushing puppets”.
The final station will have the students dress up in full dental gear including, scrubs, masks, safety goggles, and gloves.
The program will continue until Nov. 21.