From the #deltadentalARFoundation: Meet Shine, Rob and Alex, three friends who explore the world of healthy smiles.

Their first trip to the “tooth doctor” (dentist) becomes a fun adventure when they discover a “spaceship-looking light” and get to choose their favorite toothpaste flavor: bubble gum.

“Very cool,” Rob and Alex conclude. But Shine warns of problems, such as cavities, if the friends don’t brush and floss their teeth every day.

Then he challenges them—and the viewer—to a quick, interactive pop quiz. Did they understand the importance of regular dentist visits? A few clicks make sure.

Shine, Rob and Alex are the stars of a four-part series of animated videos about oral health care. Produced by Healthy Active Arkansas (HAA), a 10-year framework partnered with the Arkansas Department of Health, the videos target preschool and elementary school-age children. They are expected to air on HAA’s website by year’s end.

The series was designed to be easily accessible, entertaining e-learning modules in English and Spanish and may also be incorporated into the websites of HAA’s partners and stakeholders. The videos will also be distributed to dental offices across the state to increase of impact of the oral health education provided by dentists and dental hygienists. 

Additionally, HAA will roll out multiple social media posts for parents about teaching their children good oral hygiene starting at a young age.

The messaging is designed to meet Arkansans where they are: at school, on the playground, in the grocery store.

“We need to talk about oral hygiene everywhere, not just at the dentist’s office,” said Kenya Eddings, wellness director for the Arkansas Department of Health and Interim Executive Director for Healthy Active Arkansas at HAA. “Oral health is a public health issue.”

Who knew that teaching flossing, brushing, and seeing the dentist could be so much fun? We are delighted to support this engaging educational project with a 2021 #communitygrant.

Does your organization develop oral health education projects? Let us assist with funding. Check out our grant opportunities here.

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