National Children’s Dental Health Month Event for Women, Too

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(Boston) – It’s called Childworks, but this preventive oral health event is for women, too. Thursday, February 18, as part of National Children’s Dental Health Month, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine’s (GSDM) chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) brings its Childworks program back to Rosie’s Place, a shelter for poor and homeless women.

“When you have children and parents learning about oral health together, the message has a greater impact than simply addressing either group alone,” says AAWD President Julie King DMD 11.

Children (and their moms, if they like) use their “dental passports” to tour interactive stations about brushing and flossing, the negative effects of tobacco, tooth protectors, the importance of regular dental visits, and eating healthy for good oral health. A full passport earns a dental goody bag at the end of the trip.

GSDM Oral Health Promotion Director Kathy Lituri helped AAWD start Childworks last year after a call for more children’s programming at the shelter. Now, AAWD hosts the event four times annually.

“This Children’s Dental Health Month, we hope Childworks will raise awareness of children’s oral health in a community at high risk for oral disease and give these children and their caregivers the knowledge and strategies they need to stay healthy in a safe, fun, and interactive environment,” King says.

The mission of Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine is to provide excellent education to dental professionals throughout their careers; to shape the future of dental medicine and dental education through research; to offer excellent health care services to the community; to participate in community activities; and to foster a respectful and supportive environment.