When it comes to caring for tiny teeth, prevention is the handiest tool in your tool box. That’s because stopping dental problems before they happen is safer and healthier for children. The free Calling All Smile Crusaders training course for child care staff can help. “Child care providers play an integral role in a young child’s oral health,” said Emily Horney, RDH, Early Childhood Oral Health Coordinator for the North Carolina Oral Health Section, Division of Public Health, Department of Health and Human Services “Teaching young children and their families about good oral health habits, from the eruption of the very first little tooth, can help establish a lifetime of dental health. This is what our Calling All Smile Crusaders training is all about.”
The free, one-hour, DCDEE-approved training is full of information that will help child care pros protect little teeth. Learners will discover the best evidence-based tools for preventing tooth decay and why toothbrushing in child care is important, as well as safe pacifier use, healthy nutrition habits, and key resources. Best of all, this training, which delivers one contact hour of credit (1 CHC), can be scheduled the way you want it: in person or virtually.
Need to brush up on your oral health skills? Are you ready to become a Smile Crusader? Take the free course. For details or to schedule this important training, contact Emily Horney at emily.horney@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 707-5487.
