Oral health impact multiple MCH populations and have an influence throughout the life course.  There is a great need to increase oral health outcome in the territory.  People with less access to oral health services are at a greater risk for oral health issues. Oral health is often neglected due to numerous barriers including lack of access, oral health education and insurance. Helping children develop healthy habits to care for their teeth while they are young is important. These habits can stage for good health care throughout their whole life.  They can avoid many of the problems that result from poor oral health, including gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay.

Just as was done last activity year, MCH teamed up with the American Dental Association (ADA) and launched an oral health campaign during National Oral Health Month to provide education to the MCH population about the importance of good oral health. The brush and floss oral health jingle and video   was played on radio stations across the territory to encourage children to brush and floss twice a day. The video was aired on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 

In 2021, MCH collaborated with the American Dental Association and conducted a Brush and Floss community outreach on all four islands. Bags filled with toothbrush, toothpaste, mouth wash, a t-shirt that encourages children to brush and floss twice a day to keep the cavities away, and school supplies were distributed to over 500 children.  The face of the Brush and Floss Oral Health campaign was displayed on billboards across the territory.  The campaign was a huge success. 

VI MCH is still working towards implementation of oral health in the MCH clinics is on the way. During Oral Health Month in February, the program collaborated with the Department of Education, VI Dental and Children’s Dental Care, Inc., and applied fluoride varnish to 290 elementary and junior high school students. Of the 290 students seen, 143 were boys, and 147 girls.  Dental caries was found in 73 students which represents 25% of the students seen.  The information was given to the school nurses to ensure students are referred to receive treatment. The program also held an oral health outreach in collaboration with the American Dental association and distributed dental health kits to 1,000 children across the territory.  The dental kids included toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and a t-shirt encouraging children to brush and floss daily.

As we continue to work towards implementation of oral health services in the program, MCH will continue to conduct oral health outreaches to provide education to the MCH population.