Canada's tooth fairy update

Collaborative ~ Diverse ~ Leaders – Proactive - Respectful

Kellie Watson, RDH, MBA Registrar – Executive Director

Saskatchewan Dental Hygienists’ Association

Collaborative ~ Diverse ~ Leaders – Proactive - Respectful

Who is Canada’s ToothFairy?• Canada’s ToothFairy: National Children’s Oral Health

Foundation® is dedicated to eliminating children’s pain and suffering from preventable pediatric dental disease and improve quality of life for at-risk children. 

• As Educator, Preventer and Protector, Canada's ToothFairy drives systems change by delivering proven programs and resources that expand access to care and education, improve oral health literacy, and promote overall wellness. 

Collaborative ~ Diverse ~ Leaders – Proactive - Respectful

America’s ToothFairy• Formed in the U.S. in 2006 as a collaborative effort of clinicians, academicians, corporate leaders and caring individuals, America's ToothFairy supports the delivery of oral health education and care for children of all ages. Now extending services as Canada’s Toothfairy: National Children's Oral Health Foundation of Canada™, NCOHF is reaching children throughout North America.

Collaborative ~ Diverse ~ Leaders – Proactive - Respectful

Canada's ToothFairy Serves as • EDUCATOR about the importance of oral health;

• PREVENTER of disease; and • PROTECTOR of children. 

Collaborative ~ Diverse ~ Leaders – Proactive - Respectful

• May 1, 2013:  Presentation from Fern Ingber – National Oral Health Children’s Foundation (NOHCF)

• SOHC consensus/motion to pursue concept of Canada’s Tooth Fairy Foundation

• Saskatchewan Dental Hygienists Association (SDHA), as a non-profit organization, volunteered to put their organization forward as the main applicant.

• SOHC joined application as a partner.

Background

Collaborative ~ Diverse ~ Leaders – Proactive - Respectful

Joining ForcesSaskatchewan Oral Health Coalition and 

Canada’s Tooth Fairy

Our vision is to create a world where no child suffers from preventable tooth

decay.

Collaborative ~ Diverse ~ Leaders – Proactive - Respectful

Canada's ToothFairy

Support from Canada's ToothFairy provides:

• Materials for community outreach activities• Fluoride and sealant products to prevent tooth decay and 

• Vital oral health education for all children and their families.

Collaborative ~ Diverse ~ Leaders – Proactive - Respectful

Making a Difference

• Through the Oral Health Zone Program®, Canada's ToothFairy brings together corporate and civic leaders, allied health professionals, educators and other caring individuals in a collaborative community-based approach, to effectively break the cycle of this disease. 

Collaborative ~ Diverse ~ Leaders – Proactive - Respectful

What does this mean for you?

Collaborative ~ Diverse ~ Leaders – Proactive - Respectful

Current ConditionsPediatric dental disease can have devastating social and economic consequences for vulnerable children and families. • In Saskatchewan:

– Cavities are the most common chronic disease currently affecting children• SK has the third highest rate of day surgeries for treating oral disease in Canada (behind Nunavut and NWT)

– Over 3300 day surgeries are performed every 2 years in SK to treat oral disease – essentially filings and extractions due to cavities at an average cost of $1700 per child.  That’s 3.3 million health care dollars spent per year.  

– 99% of those kids go under general anesthetic

Collaborative ~ Diverse ~ Leaders – Proactive - Respectful

Current ConditionsPediatric dental disease can have devastating social and economic consequences for vulnerable children and families.

• In Saskatchewan:– Besides the financial burden though, more importantly is the impact it has on the children.   Pain, difficulty eating and sleeping, speech difficulties and poor self-esteem.

– Our First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people experience unacceptably high rates or oral disease, much higher than in urban communities, with little access to dental care.

Collaborative ~ Diverse ~ Leaders – Proactive - Respectful

• Underserved children and their caregivers

• Low income populations

• Children in Foster Care

• First Nation/Inuit/Métis     Populations

• New Canadians

Target Populations:

Collaborative ~ Diverse ~ Leaders – Proactive - Respectful

Here in Saskatchewan

• Oral Health Zone: 4 key objectives:

–Expand access to oral health care–Increase oral health resources and education–Improve oral health literacy–Promote overall health and wellness for underserved children

Collaborative ~ Diverse ~ Leaders – Proactive - Respectful

Smile Drive• SMILE Drive was an event held 

throughout the month of April, National Oral Health Month.  

• We encouraged individuals and groups to collect toothbrushes and toothpaste for children in need of these supplies.

All of the donations helped the people of Saskatchewan!

• Donations were given to local charities like the Saskatoon Food Bank.  

Collaborative ~ Diverse ~ Leaders – Proactive - Respectful

At your fingertips:• www.canadastoothfairy.org

Collaborative ~ Diverse ~ Leaders – Proactive - Respectful

At your fingertips:

• Oral Health Kits:– Get your own• Esther Wilkins program

– For loan:• SDHA

• Magnetic tooth board with magnet pieces• Large toothbrush for toothbrushing 

demonstration• Toothbrushing and Handwashing songs• 3 basic lessons and corresponding worksheets

– Preventing Germ Transmission– Tooth friendly Snacks / Nutrition– Toothbrushing / Flossing Demonstration

Collaborative ~ Diverse ~ Leaders – Proactive - Respectful

At your fingertips:Join the Canada’s ToothFairy Kids Club and receive educational activities, tips and personalized letters from the ToothFairy!  This FREE club was developed to promote healthy smiles for all kids!

‣ Monthly email letters to members.  2 versions available – for both younger and older children.

‣ Activities, games and messages (e.g.. Nutrition, hand hygiene, etc.).

‣ If no computer – organizations can help out.

Collaborative ~ Diverse ~ Leaders – Proactive - Respectful

Students United:• High School Students and University Students are eligible.

• Students promote and engage in oral health activities aimed at preventing oral disease

At your fingertips: 

Collaborative ~ Diverse ~ Leaders – Proactive - Respectful

Questions??