Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Mobile Dental Van Program
In 1991, Colgate introduced Bright Smiles Bright Futures (BSBF), an oral health education and prevention program designed to improve the oral health of under-served children. BSBF exposes nine million children and their families annually to positive oral health education messages and/or provide free dental screenings to . . .
Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Mobile Dental Van Program
BACKGROUND
In 1991, Colgate introduced Bright Smiles Bright Futures (BSBF), an oral health education and prevention program designed to improve the oral health of under-served children. BSBF exposes nine million children and their families annually to positive oral health education messages and/or provide free dental screenings to children, ages 1-12. The primary BSBF Goal is to teach children and their families how to maintain good oral health and prevent dental disease. Three major elements are at the core of the BSBF program, they are:
• School Program/Curriculum – BSBF provides Head Start programs and Kindergarten classes throughout the country with free, fun and engaging educational kits containing tools to teach children healthy practices for good oral health care and disease prevention. The BSBF website, www.colgatebsbf.com, contains intra-sites for parents, teachers and kids. Many valuable educational tools can be easily downloaded.
• BSBF Dental Van Program – “A dental office on wheels” – works with schools, community-based organizations, churches and others to provide free dental screenings, education and treatment referral for children up to 12 years old.
• Community Awareness Programs – BSBF vans and staff participates in community events with a focus on raising awareness on good oral health care and disease prevention.
NATIONAL CALL
Tooth decay is the single most common, chronic disease afflicting children. More than 52 million school hours are lost each year due to children’s oral health-related problems. National awareness of the importance of oral health has been brought the forefront with the U.S. Surgeon General’s report on health disparities, which cited “epidemic” levels among poor, rural and minority children.
SET-UP DIMENSIONS
BSBF Mobile Dental Van -36ft long/9.5 ft with mirrors. 12.6 ft high.
ON-Van: Two Dental Chairs/Video Waiting Area/Generator
Branded Tents – 10 Feet x 10 Feet
Dr. Rabbit Inflatable – 10 Feet x 6 feet & Generator (Selected Sites)
Service Vehicle – Load in/Load out (Selected Sites)
Note: Total area required for set-up averages approximately 50’x20′
ACTIVITIES
Free Dental Screening for Children up to 12 years old
Face Painting/Tattoos and Balloon Distribution (At Selected Sites)
Parental Sign-up/Informational Area (parental consent is required for children seeking a screening)
Oral care kits for screened children containing toothpaste, brush and brushing instructions.
STAFFING
2 Coordinators on Van, 1 Driver, 2 Dental Professionals
4 Staffing Tents & Set-Up [Implemented by Unlimited Events & Marketing – (914) 882-9274]
1 BSBF Corporate Representative
CONTACTS:
Dawna Michelle Fields, National Program Manager – (212) 310-2816
Tamara Canady, Program Coordinator (212) 310-2424
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