Programs
You know that Brush. Brush. Smile!™, a program of St. Joseph Health Ministries, provides free dental care to economically disadvantaged children. But perhaps you don’t know that Brush. Brush. Smile!™ educates many more children – from all socio-economic backgrounds – about good oral health practices.
Our aim is to help teach children about the vital role that brushing and flossing play…
We have developed three fun and interactive educational opportunities to complement what we do on board our mobile dental clinics, aka the “Brush Brush Buses.” Our aim is to help you teach children – and their families – about the vital role that brushing and flossing play in the health of their teeth and gums and, more important, their overall health. From the classroom to the gymnasium or playground, these educational opportunities will impart a life-long appreciation for what it takes to have a happy, healthy smile.
CLASSROOM EDUCATION
Our classroom instructors, using mouth models, a giant toothbrush and other props, teach students in kindergarten through grade 6 about the best brushing and flossing techniques, and which foods and beverages are good for their teeth and which ones should be avoided.
DENTAL OLYMPICS
Rinse and sprint! The Dental Olympics comprises four activities that teach students about oral health while promoting physical fitness. The activities focus on brushing, flossing, food choices and what to expect during a visit to the dentist. For instance, “Plaque Attack” pits students – competing as dentists, teeth or plaque – in a game of freeze tag.
2 FOR 2
2 For 2 takes its name from the dental community’s recommendation that children and adults brush their teeth at least twice daily – for two minutes at a time – for good oral health. Students learn proper brushing and flossing techniques, take the 2 For 2 pledge and are challenged to track their brushing and flossing daily (we’ll provide the chart). A small group of students can even brush for two minutes while their classmates count down the time.