How might we excite second graders about building healthy oral hygiene habits?
A team of students spent nine months diving into the topic of dental hygiene. They began by researching the many effects of oral hygiene and found some shocking statistics that made them eager to help young children improve their dental habits, including:
“Heart disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes are all linked to oral health.” (Mayo Clinic)
“20% of kids ages 5-11 have a decayed tooth that is untreated.” (Centers for Disease Control)
“Children from low-income families are twice as likely to have cavities compared with children of higher-income households.” (Centers for Disease Control)
After looking at dental hygiene practices and traditions from around the world, the team interviewed retired dentist John Kriz, DDS, about his experience working with patients and discussed topics ranging from the challenges of receiving dental care for those in poverty to how scary a dental appointment can be for a child.
The team then partnered with Miles of Smiles, a free mobile dental clinic for children that travels to local elementary schools, and its executive director Donna Johnson, to explore ways they could build excitement around healthy dental habits in 1st-3rd graders. Knowing that children already receive a lot of information about brushing and flossing but may lack lasting enthusiasm, the student team began brainstorming fun and engaging ways to help kids find excitement in building these healthy habits at a young age.
Thus, Molar Bearz was born! Students put their creativity to the test by creating a short play featuring Chip and Pasty, royal molar bears who fight the “Evil Tartar Troll” from taking over their kingdom. Along the way, Chip and Pasty encounter the temptations of the sugary Queen Frosting and Lady Licorice, but eventually heed the healthy advice of Denise the Dentist and Sir Carrot to reclaim Chip’s crown from the Tartar Troll. Along the journey, kids could interact with the story by participating in the popular “flossing” dance and chanting, “Brush, brush twice a day to keep the Tartar Troll away!”
The team traveled to White Pine Elementary School to perform their play in front of 65 second grade students. After the play, students participated in activity stations including visiting the Miles of Smiles bus, identifying which beverages contained the most sugar, decorating a “lost tooth” bag, and creating a smile-themed healthy snack.
Outcomes:
65 second graders participated in the project implementation at White Pine Elementary school, gaining knowledge and enthusiasm to build healthy dental habits.
Miles of Smiles gave out 65 dental hygiene kits, including toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste as well as information for families to access more of Miles of Smiles’ free resources.
Reflections from the planning team:
“Making 60+ second graders laugh and applaud for an original play about teeth is something I never imagined I’d be a part of, but the smiles it created made this project one I will never forget.” -Maeve Pierson, One Stone member
“I’ve never had an experience quite like this one. I learned so much and felt as if I were a part of the embodiment of good.” -Seamus McArthur, One Stone member
A One Stone Project Good alum shares her coincidental run-in with Molar Bearz:
“While getting my teeth cleaned, I overheard a little kid enthralled in detailing their newfound knowledge of dental hygiene. My hygienist mentioned that earlier in the week, another 2nd grader had been equally excited to share recently acquired know-how about healthy dental habits from an activity that had come to their school, commenting that some teacher missed their calling as a dentist. Coincidentally, I later learned the teacher was my mother (Mrs. Simonds, notorious tooth-puller) and that the lesson was actually a One Stone project! It was great to hear that kids were still so excited about it after the fact!” - Kendall Simonds, One Stone Alum
