Oral Health
Early Childhood
- ACTS Training for WIC (pdf)
Powerpoint presentation for the WIC program Ask (if child has a dental home), Check (the child's teeth), Teach (the mother about oral disease prevention) and Send (to the dentist). - First Birthday Card (pdf)
This campaign is designed to increase the awareness of new parents on the importance of beginning oral health care for their infant no later than their child’s first birthday. The dual language card could be distributed to parents through medical and dental providers, Early Head Start programs, community outreach programs and WIC to encourage them to brush their child’s teeth and take them to the dentist by age one. - Flora and Floppy Go to the Dentist Coloring and Activity Booklet and Interactive Video
This lighthearted story details Flora’s return visit to the dentist along with her playful rabbit, Floppy. It helps young children understand what takes place at the dentist and helps them see their dentist as their friend. The coloring and activity booklet is a good resource for early readers. The booklet can be used along with the interactive video and helps to bring the story alive! For copies of the booklet and video, please contact the Division of Oral Health at DHEC, 803-898-0181. - Oral Health 101 Training (pdf)
While the family is the focus of health supervision, an increasing number of South Carolina’s youngest children are receiving routine daily health supervision in early childhood education programs. This course provides child care educators with the knowledge and skills needed to help prevent dental diseases in young children, as well as, how to develop healthy habits in the children and their families that promote good oral health as part of total health. - Oral Health Activity Guide for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers (ML-025192) (pdf)
This resource guide has activities for infants through age 4. The “lessons” are designed to involve the very young child in hands-on activities that will acquaint them with their mouth and how to care for their teeth; help them learn to like healthy foods; and encourage them keep their smiles safe. This guide is designed for use in childcare centers serving infants—preschoolers and would be a good resource for homeschool associations and parent and community outreach programs. - Oral Health for Preschoolers: Parent Information Booklet (ML-025191) (pdf)
This Parent Information Booklet contains information for parents that is developmentally appropriate and based on recommendations from the Bright Futures in Practice: Oral Health By P. Cassamassimo. The sheets are easy to understand and can help parents take an active role in establishing and maintaining good oral health for their child. General topics include taking care of teeth, selecting the right toothbrush and toothpaste, good nutrition, safety, and going to the dentist. - Oral Health Puppet Show for Schools and Head Start Centers
Flora and Floppy go to the Dentist is a 20 minute interactive puppet show for children ages 3-8. The Columbia Marionette Puppet show is designed to engage and entertain preschool and school-age children while teaching them key messages about how to maintain good dental health. - Oral Injury Prevention and Emergency Response Training (pdf)
This course provides child care educators, parents, teachers and community program leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent oral injuries. In addition the training provides comprehensive information on how to respond properly to oral injuries that do occur. - Pediatric Oral Health Risk Assessment (ppt)
This powerpoint was created by Division of Oral Health staff in 2006 and presented at Grand Rounds at Palmetto Richland Hospital. It not only covers the importance of fluoride varnish to preventing tooth decay in children, but also food choice, keeping mom’s mouth healthy, and an overview of when a child should be referred by the pediatrician to a dentist. - SC Takes Action: Oral Health for the Young Child (pdf)
This document is based on established guidelines produced by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics and other key professional organizations such as the American Dental Association, Bright Futures, and the Society of Family Medicine. The document, primarily focused on ages 0-3, provides the foundation for a collaborative, community approach to improve the oral health status of South Carolina’s young children.