Earlier this year, I was asked to participate in something truly special — an invitation to contribute to a project that carries real promise for public health, community empowerment, and the future of oral health education. My hope is that it encourages other dental professionals to get involved in projects like this within their own communities. What we do locally has the power to create meaningful, lasting change.
Across the United States, oral health disparities continue to affect our most vulnerable populations, especially older adults and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In Tennessee, these disparities are particularly striking. Adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities are significantly more likely to lose their natural teeth, face longer wait times for care, and often travel more than an hour and a half round trip to access treatment.
Supported by the State of Tennessee and funded by the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging, Tooth Booth Tennessee is an innovative oral health education initiative led by Harmony Health, a national nonprofit organisation focused on expanding access to preventive oral health education. This project reimagines how essential training is delivered by offering high quality, easy to understand educational content. All materials are free to the public, available on YouTube, and designed so dental professionals, caregivers, and families can access them anytime and anywhere.
Track One: Dental Professionals — Clinical insights, specialised techniques, demonstrations of adaptive tools, and communication strategies tailored for older adults and individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Track Two: Caregivers and Direct Support Personnel — Foundational oral hygiene skills, behaviour support techniques, daily care routines, and early identification of potential oral health concerns. These videos are created for non-clinicians and emphasise reassurance, clarity, and practical application.
Everyone deserves access to reliable oral health information. Caregivers deserve encouragement and support.
Being involved with this project has reminded me of the incredible influence dental professionals can have when we extend our reach beyond the operatory. When caregivers understand how to support oral hygiene effectively, individuals experience less pain, improved dignity, and better overall health. I encourage dental professionals to explore the Tooth Booth Tennessee YouTube channel and consider how this type of resource can support caregivers and families within their own networks.