From the #deltadentalARFoundation: “Bright futures start here” is the motto of the  @Boys & Girls Clubs of the Arkansas River Valley. In the spring of 2021, the boys and girls discovered how to start their futures with bright smiles. 

Thanks to a #communitygrant from the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation, the non-profit organization with centers in Russelville and Dardanelle hosted a two-part oral health and nutrition education initiative for about 300 K-5 students enrolled in its after-school program. 

For one little boy, the program also meant the early detection of a potentially dangerous infection. 

The weekly “Smile 101” course taught the basics of oral hygiene through art projects, craft activities, educational games and visits from dental professionals. The students also received take-home dental kits to practice their newly acquired (or improved) brushing and flossing skills and resources for their parents. Then, they played “Nutrition Detectives” under the supervision of a local chef to learn all about healthy eating that benefits the body and the mouth. Sampling was encouraged! 

Pre- and post-tests measured the growth in participants’ knowledge of how to create and maintain bright smiles.
 
Rounding out the program were weekly dental screenings performed by professional dentists who volunteered their services. Several dozen youngsters had never been to a dentist before, said Arianna Woodard, the clubs’ programming director and marketing coordinator, and some were a wee bit apprehensive. “Does it hurt?” and “What is it?” were common questions.
  
At Parkway Dental in Russelville, a project partner, Dr. Amy Kirby examined the students’ teeth and gums. She prepared written recommendations of dental treatments and cleanings for the kids to share with their parents.
 
She even diagnosed a tooth abscess on one elementary student. 

“Without this program and the dental screening, we would have never known about this abscess, and it could have lead to a dangerous infection,” Arianna explained. The boy’s parents were notified and given detailed information about the condition and treatment options.

Healthy smiles—that’s what we’re all about. If your organization plans a project to improve the oral health of Arkansans, please contact us. We have grants, resources and know-how to assist you. View all details here.

 

This story was first published on our Facebook and Instagram pages.