Community outreach, education, and awareness raising are the cornerstones of Oral Health America’s yearly Fall for Smiles initiative, now in full swing. OHA is offering lots of resources for dental professionals who want to help get the word out about “the importance of healthy food choices, regular dental visits, brushing and flossing, tobacco avoidance and cessation,” and more.
Available are a variety of free downloadable instructional and promotional materials, a social media guide, and an on-demand webinar explaining the campaign and how to participate (some suggestions: host an open house at the practice, provide pro-bono care for a day, visit a local school or nursing home, offer a Halloween candy trade-in for tooth-friendly goodies).
Other interesting components to be aware of….
--The Dental Trade Alliance Foundation has grants available for practices that have "an innovative project designed to improve oral health care for the growing number of Americans in need."
--A photo contest that could qualify the practice for a prophy sample pack.
--You can post a fun quiz on Facebook so patients can find out if they’re “brushing brainiacs.”
Read about how colleagues have participated in creative ways and feel free to steal their ideas! Enjoy.