Say Cheese!
"Cavities are a silent epidemic, and they're
the No. 1 chronic infectious disease in children,”
according to Peg DiMarco, associate professor,
Case Western Reserve.
Unfortunately, 3 out of 5 children are affected by tooth
decay, and because of this silent epidemic children will
miss 51 million hours of school this year in the USA, due
to oral health issues.
The Dr. Milton Rubin Oral Health Education Program was
established in 2000, and named in Dr. Rubin’s honor because of his
sincere dedication and interest of providing good dental care to
children. The original program, created by Dr. Rubin himself, was
intended to enhance existing health classes in the Akron Public
School system. His goal was to help eliminate the fear of seeing a dentist and develop favorable
attitudes toward personal, oral health habits through awareness, education and demonstration.
Following much success, the program has expanded to include multiple school districts (public,
private, parochial) in Summit, Medina, Stark and Portage counties. The program is free, and a great
way to help empower young children to choose and develop healthy habits early in life. Last year,
more than 6,000 students participated in this program.
The program is presented by three
Registered Dental Hygienists and
includes didactic information, and
fun, hands-on activities. Information
on proper nutrition, oral bacteria,
tooth development, and proper
brushing and flossing techniques are
demonstrated in easy to understand terms. Each student will…
1) See the benefits of brushing their teeth
2) Develop positive habits for long-term, oral health and hygiene
(toothbrushing, flossing, healthy eating)
3) Participate in a 45 minute, in-class instructional and fun presentation
4) Receive a toothbrush, tooth paste, dental floss, disclosing tablets,
brushing calendar and fun work/activity sheets
Together, we can help children show up for school every
day healthy, pain-free, and ready to learn.