Smiles for Teens

One of the goals of PRASAD Children’s Dental Health Program (PRASAD CDHP) has been to expand our services to include not only pre-kindergarten and elementary school age children, but also the many teens who do not have awareness of or access to dental health information and care. Several forms of periodontal disease can manifest in adolescence, which is why learning better habits and seeking treatment is important for teens. In 2007, thanks to funding received from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and the Sullivan County Youth Bureau, PRASAD CDHP began outreach to this age group.

Susan Purcell is the dental hygienist/educator who brings the Smiles for Teens program to middle schools, high schools and other sites in Sullivan County. Susan has been a dental hygienist for more than 28 years and once was invited to teach dental health to her daughter’s elementary school class. Recognizing the need to encourage personal responsibility for one’s own dental health, she began developing lesson plans to teach the importance of brushing, flossing, and the relationship between diet and oral health.

Susan started with PRASAD CDHP as part of our pre-kindergarten through 5th grade educational program, and has now expanded into the upper grade levels with a presentation specially designed to appeal to teens. The program uses creative exercises to make dramatic points that are engaging and easy to understand. Actual teeth soaked in soda and sugary sports beverages provide a powerful visual example of the biology and chemistry of decay. Lessons include everything from how to read nutritional labels to the effect that tooth-bleaching products have on young enamel that has yet to be solidified. Smoking and chewing tobacco can be habits picked up at an early age, so the harmful effects these substances have on the body, as a whole and on oral health specifically, are taught.

After the initial presentation, Susan does a follow-up visit to each class with a question and answer session. Bookmarks, which are printed with information about PRASAD CDHP’s services and can be tucked away inconspicuously, are handed out.

Since the program’s beginning in 2007, nearly 1,700 middle and high school students have received dental health education information and materials from PRASAD CDHP’s dental health educator, and 430 students in the same age group have applied for and received follow-up care and treatment to improve their oral health.

PRASAD CDHP
465 Brickman Road
Hurleyville, NY 12747
Phone: 845.434.0376 | Fax: 845.434.0377