The Community Oral Health Program was initiated by the Forsyth School for Dental Hygienists to provide access to oral health information and preventive services that are not readily obtainable in under-served neighborhoods. Student hygienists are the primary health educators. Every week they travel to schools, elder centers and day shelters in the Greater Boston area. They provide formal, classroom presentations on oral health and organize health promotion activities such as health fairs and workshops.
Students also place dental sealants and fabricate mouth protectors.
Workshops and health fairs made oral health information available to 161 participants and 150 senior citizens attended the poster presentations on oral health issues among the geriatric population. Oral, visual screenings, and dental assessments were conducted at three preschool programs for 76 children. Finally, sealants were applied on 52 occlusal surfaces.