Happy Smiles for Little Teeth

A toolkit for dental hygienists making a difference in their early childhood community

Join the movement to improve children’s oral health! Dental hygienists can be vital partners in supporting early childhood programs, like Head Start, across the country. One of the greatest health challenges facing children enrolled in these programs is lack of access to oral health care. By collaborating with local programs, you can make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of young children and their families.

Benefits for Dental Hygienists

  • Expand your community outreach
  • Engage in opportunities for professional development and leadership
  • Strengthen public health skills

Impact on Children

  • Help ensure children are meeting oral health milestones
  • Help prevent early childhood tooth decay
  • Foster lifelong healthy eating and oral hygiene habits

How to Get Involved in Local Early Childhood Programs

1. Reach Out to Local Early Childhood Programs

  • Find a local program in your area
  • Looking for a Head Start program? Use this Head Start Program Locator
  • Contact the director of the early childhood program.
  • [Optional] Customize this letter template from a dental hygienist to an early program director as an introduction.

2. Understand the Early Childhood Program’s Needs 

Schedule a visit with the program director to learn about oral health challenges faced by children in their care. Access to oral healthcare remains one of the most significant health challenges for children in limited-resource environments nationwide.

3. Create an Action Plan

Work with your local early childhood program to develop activities that improve staff and family understanding of oral health while strengthening their prevention skills. Consider activities such as:

  • Participating in any health-related committees
  • Providing oral health education to staff, parents, and children
  • Exploring opportunities to provide preventive oral health care as allowed by your state practice act
  • Helping connect families with local dentists for care

For more activities in early childhood settings, check out: How Dental Hygienists Can Improve Oral Health for Head Start Participants

 

 

 

Ready to make a difference?

Contact your local Head Start program today and help improve children’s oral health for a lifetime!