West Virginia University Extension Service (WVU-ES) has a plan to help the state’s children improve dental health all year and into the future.
Last year, WVU-ES Families and Health, the WVU School of Dentistry, and the West Virginia Bureau of Public Health Oral Health Program established an oral health pilot project in four counties. The program will expand statewide later this year.
The health status of the teeth and mouth is an indicator of an individual’s overall health; however, too often this indicator is overlooked. “Poor oral health remains a neglected West Virginia epidemic, especially among certain segments of the population,” said Elaine Bowen, WVU Extension specialist for health promotion.
According to the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health, dental caries is the most common chronic childhood disease, especially among limited-resource children. Sixty-six percent of the state’s 15-year-olds have been affected by dental caries. This is 5 percent above the national average.
Nationally, 20 percent of 15-year-olds have untreated decay. That number rises to 33 percent in our state. West Virginia ranks first in the nation in adult tooth loss.
It was clear to Bowen that West Virginia needs to help its young people practice better oral health habits. Oral health problems are completely preventable. Establishing good habits early can avoid difficulties later in life.
WVU-ES is partnering with the WVU School of Dentistry and the W.Va. Bureau for Public Health Oral Health Program. Bowen worked with Richard Meckstroth, D.D.S., Gina Sharps, R.D.H., oral health educator, and others to integrate oral health education into the 4-H youth development program.
The partnership created the 4-H Club Health Officer position and the organizational systems to support it. Sharps, a 4-H All Star and 4-H supporter, had a lot of ideas, including a “4-H dental pilot project” in the four counties she serves: Doddridge, Taylor, Preston, and Harrison.
As the plan progressed, each of the 56 4-H clubs in the four-county area elected a health officer. Sharps conducted a 4-H health officer training for each of the four counties, and she worked with the Bureau of Public Health to produce an oral health DVD series available to all counties for use in 4-H clubs.
Each 4-H health officer has a “ West Virginia 4-H Club Health Activity Guide” with information and activities to share with his or her club. These student leaders also help more than 1,200 club members to use a “ West Virginia 4-H Club Dental Health Planner.”
“4-H clubs meet every month,” Bowen said. “They focus on one simple yet doable dental behavior per month. For example, the January challenge was to replace a sugar-added drink with water or low-fat milk.” 4-H members track their successes in their health planners.
The pilot will expand into a statewide initiative later this year, eventually reaching more than 20,000 youths in 4-H clubs and other groups across the state. Bowen and Sharps will showcase the project “Smiles for a Lifetime” at the 2006 National Priester Health Conference in April in Louisville, KY.
Looking for more information?
The West Virginia Children’s Health Insurance Program (WVCHIP) is a free or low-cost health-care plan for children of working families. WVCHIP covers both dental and medical care. Call (1-877 WVA-CHIP or 1-877-982-2447) or log onto the WVCHIP Web site (www.wvchip.org).
The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Oral Health Program offers services in every region of the state. Services include screenings and educational programs. Call 1-800-642-9704.
The 2006 Children’s Dental Health Month slogan is “A Healthy Smile Is Something To Cheer.” The American Dental Association Web site offers everything from presentations in English and Spanish for teachers to coloring sheets and a calendar for kids. (www.ada.org/public/events/ncdhm/index.asp#fun).
The Canadian Dental Association and other groups sponsor an oral education database for youths and adults who work with children in third through sixth grades (www.healthyteeth.org).
The Nemours Foundation sponsors an education site for youths, parents, and teachers (www.kidshealth.org). The site offers interactive games and activities on virtually every health topic.
Contact your WVU County Extension Office to find out how you can get involved in the 4-H health program. For more information, contact Elaine Bowen (epbowen@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-2694, ext. 3426). You may also click on WVU Extension Families and Health for additional information.
Trade or brand names used in this publication are for educational purposes only. The use of such product names does not imply endorsement by the WVU Extension Service to the exclusion of other products that may be equally suitable.
