A Step Towards Healthy Smiles: Improving Oral Health for Young Learners
In 2023, more than half of the 5000 children professionally screened in Knysna required dental treatment. In many cases, children’s second teeth were severely compromised or lost due to lack of disease prevention, resulting in children missing classes or reporting ill due to tooth ache.
Poor oral health is a serious issue that affects children’s overall well-being, ability to learn, and quality of life. The lack of awareness, resources, and access to dental care leaves many children vulnerable, potentially leading to speech problems and other developmental concerns. Recognising this as a critical issue, the Knysna Education Trust (KET) has partnered with the Rotary Club of Knysna and the Western Cape Department of Health to launch a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving children’s oral health, helping them start their educational journey with healthy smiles.
The Dental Hygiene Intervention is designed to equip learners with the essential knowledge and tools to maintain good oral hygiene.
The initiative includes:
Dental Screenings: Volunteer dentists and healthcare professionals visit preschools to assess children’s dental health, identifying immediate concerns and providing early intervention.
Parental Engagement: Parents are educated on promoting good oral hygiene practices at home, further supporting their child’s dental health journey.
Oral Hygiene Education: Teachers and children receive hands-on training in proper brushing techniques, healthy eating habits, and the importance of regular dental check-ups. Principals are encouraged to amend their preschool admission documents and their nutrition policies to enforce no junk food and sugary drinks in lunch boxes.
Toothbrush & Toothpaste Distribution: Every child is provided with a toothbrush and toothpaste to encourage daily brushing both at school and at home.
Progress So Far
Lesson Plans: Since January, teachers have received engaging, action-packed lesson plans to deliver daily oral hygiene education. Each lesson focuses on brushing techniques, healthy food choices for strong teeth, and fun toothbrushing songs and activities that make learning enjoyable for young children.
Workshops: Recently, Ms. Khau from the Department of Health conducted an informative workshop for 54 teachers, where she demonstrated proper brushing techniques and provided a sneak peek of the upcoming school visits. During these visits, toothbrushes and toothpaste will be distributed. Teachers also participated in a creative activity, making their own toothbrush holders to keep supplies hygienic and ready for use in the classroom.
Supplies Distributed: To date, 354 toothbrushes and 128 tubes of toothpaste have been distributed across 12 schools, ensuring that children are equipped with the tools they need to maintain their oral health.
Challenges & Next Steps
While the project has made significant progress, challenges remain. Access to professional dental care for follow-up treatments is still limited, and continued funding is needed to sustain and expand this vital initiative. Moving forward, KET aims to strengthen partnerships with local dentists and healthcare organisations to broaden the scope of services and ensure that the benefits of this initiative continue to impact children for years to come.
The goal is not only to improve children’s smiles but also to enhance their overall health and learning outcomes. This initiative is a crucial step in ensuring that children in the ECD programmes are ready to learn, grow, and thrive.