Smiles United
Grantee: Touro College of Dental Medicine
Project Summary:
Touro College of Dental Medicine, along with their faculty and students are implementing a phased project to help diminish access to dental care obstacles by connecting virtually with group homes. In phase one, students and faculty will connect with group homes and agencies in order to schedule virtual small-group sessions with the homes, their patients, and their caregivers.
The goal of these sessions will be to identify specific dental health challenges faced within homecare treatments both on an individual basis as well as any generalized oral health care challenges caregivers are experiencing. In phase two, oral health instruction materials and dental hygiene supplies will be provided to the group homes based on the data collected in phase one of their individualized needs.
The oral health instruction will include pre-filmed video vignettes in an online forum, which will provide hands-on instruction of techniques of providing effective oral hygiene with caregivers and their patients.
These videos will provide:
- multiple demonstrations of different types of toothbrushes/devices that can be used,
- holding techniques based on physical disabilities and the challenges they may pose to oral hygiene, as well as
- behavior modification and management training for patients and their caregivers for delivery of effective oral hygiene care.
See videos and find out more on the Smiles United Website
Total Funding: $50,000
Project Length: 3 years
Project Start: April 1, 2020
Current Status: Complete