Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/community-partnerships-in-child-care/5024208/
Children laugh as they use the oversized toothbrush to scrub the large teeth of the silly horse puppet. The dental hygienist and assistants gladly hold up the puppet for the children to practice brushing on and share responses to children’s questions. When the time is up and the children’s teachers start to transition the children to get ready for lunch, the children say, “Awww.” They want more! On their way out of the classroom, the dental hygienist and her assistant give the teachers enough goodie bags for each child to take home a new toothbrush, floss, and a mini toothpaste tube along with a brochure on dental care for preschool-aged children.
This experience would not be possible if it were not for strong community partnerships. The child care center and the dentist’s office have collaborated over the years to bring this experience to children who attend the center during national children’s dental health month in February.
Children’s voices float over the air as teachers count their students to make sure they have everyone. The parade begins and hundreds of children walk proudly forward, waving flags and carrying banners that signify their center, program, or school. After walking four blocks, ...