June 5th Speakers
Pamela Delahanty and Louise H. Danforth from the Monodnock Healthy Teeth to Toes program were our speakers on June 5th.
Welcome to Monadnock Healthy Teeth to Toes. We are a public health program within the Social Services Department at Monadnock Community Hospital. Our focus is dental health, nutritional wellness, and physical fitness for children and their families. Monadnock Healthy Teeth to Toes (MHTTT) has four unique programs; Healthy Beginnings, Healthy Teeth to Toes, Healthy Me Afterschool, and our Dental Sealant Program; together these programs provide a continuum of dental care and overall wellness from infancy through eighth grade.
Healthy Beginnings Prenatal Program: Dental disease is the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States! The goal of Healthy Beginnings is to educate pregnant women about the importance of dental hygiene before, during, and after pregnancy. Women who are eligible for this program will receive free prenatal vitamins during pregnancy and after delivery; calcium supplements for nursing Moms after delivery; dental education for women, infants, older siblings, and families; Dental Care Kit containing information and products for Mom and family; and additional dental products for Mom and Baby after delivery. Once children are in preschool they may enroll in our Healthy Teeth to Toes school-based program.
Healthy Teeth to Toes in School: Since 2003, MHTTT has offered this school-based curriculum which provides access to dental care, dental screenings, fluoride treatments, instruction on dental hygiene, and referrals to local dentists. In 2008 we expanded our focus to include the serious issues regarding childhood obesity. The curriculum integrates age appropriate information, from preschool through third grade, about oral health, healthy food choices, and increased physical activity. Annually, MHTTT educates approximately 1800 children in 14 public elementary schools, two Head Start programs, and two Community Centers.
Healthy Me Afterschool Club: In an effort to address overweight and obesity issues, a health concern that affects one out of three children in the Monadnock Region, this program provides a developmentally appropriate opportunity for children to learn the important link between physical activity and nutritional wellness. Healthy Me is a collaborative effort among MHTTT staff, parents, teachers, school nurses, and school administrators; assisting with training, teaching tools, food preparation, and the purchase of minor supplies. The goal is to train school staff to successfully run this program independently, which has been introduced in elementary schools and community afterschool programs. This is offered at the request of school programs.
Sealant Program: A new pilot program which provides free sealants to students who have not seen a dentist in the past 12 months. Sealants are a thin, safe, plastic coating placed on the chewing surface of teeth which can provide significant protection from dental decay or cavities. It is especially important for children to get sealants on their second-year molars. With parental permission, a screening will be done by our dental hygienist to determine if sealants are appropriate for a child’s teeth. Further dental services will be reviewed per child.
MHTTT PROGRAM STAFF
Louise Danforth, Program Coordinator, oversees MHTTT and is responsible for the development, organizational logistics, referrals, and implementation of each program. She is the community liaison, collaborating with national, state, local, school and community partners to ensure the success of the program. A strong emphasis is placed on assistance with enrollment in NH Children’s Medicaid. For more information, please contact: louise.danforth@mchmail.org (603) 924-4699, ext. 1108
, Registered Dental Hygienist, affectionately known as “the Tooth Fairy’s Helper”, launched the Healthy Teeth program in 2003. She provides preventative dental care, education, and professional guidance to children, families and the community regarding the importance of appropriate oral health, nutrition and overall wellness for children. Please contact: pamela.delahanty@mchmail.org (603) 924-4673