I was most recently the CYP Director of a navy installation and we are mandated by the OPNAV to provide tooth brushing in all classrooms. I hated it and so did/does my staff. I never felt that we were able to keep the process hygienic enough to prevent the spread of illness. I spoke with the base dentist and he stated that the true recommendation is twice daily. He recommended that we stop in the childcare setting. Unfortunately, the OPNAV didn't give us that option.
If given the choice, I would not do it and would provide parent education on why it is so important in the home setting, suggest they make it part of their daily routine, etc. I would even invite a pediatric dentist in for a parent education event, ask him/her for literature for them to take home, etc.
As a parent (long ago) I opted out of my children brushing their teeth in their ECE classrooms. Maybe I am just a germaphobe :)
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Jennifer W. Hardy
Association Program Specialist
San Diego, CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2018 06:32 AM
From: Karen Rush
Subject: Toothbrushing in Preschool
I am a product of being in the Head Start Program from Teacher to Administrator for a very long time, where toothbrushing was mandated and part of the Health component. Now that I am out of Head Start, but still in Early Childhood, it's kind of hard to get it out of my system. I'm now working with Staff who don't value the process and have a lot of negative views about it. I am curious to know what other Early Childhood Professionals views are about the topic especialy those that are NOT mandated to do it, but do it anyway-- or is anyone out there doing it that Is not with Head Start?
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Karen Rush
HighScope Educational Research Foundation
Redford MI
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