Alliance Presents Oral Health Education at The Senior Source

MAY 1, 2017

Written by: Nancy Cartwright, Dental Health Committee

On March 9, 2017, The Alliance to Dallas County Dental Society presented a dental health program at the Senior Source, a United Way agency. Community Dental Care partnered with the Alliance again this year.

Senior Companions volunteer their services to the health and well being of elderly clients in homes, senior facilities, and rehabilitation centers. The senior program on Oral Longevity was presented to 85 seniors at the center. Dorothy Jones, RDH, informed the seniors on the importance of good oral hygiene in maintaining the overall health of the body. She instructed the seniors on issues such as dry mouth and the effects of chronic diseases on oral health. Information on dental care for elderly patients with dentures was also addressed.

The seniors and their elderly clients were given gift bags which included toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, hygiene items, and denture products. Literature in Spanish and English was provided. The Alliance served refreshments and offered door prizes. The Alliance received a financial award from the Alliance of the Texas Dental Association. Products were donated by Dallas Community Dental Care, and the remainder of the expense was included in the Alliance budget.

The DCDS Executive Office provided assistance and a large meeting room for the Alliance to assemble the 200 gift bags. The Alliance of DCDS provides numerous programs throughout the year that encourage good oral health in Dallas County, including puppet shows in the schools and health fairs. The puppet show featured was presented at Shorehaven Elementary in Garland ISD. Students were provided with toothbrushes
and toothpaste.