In 1997, a professor at small, rural, four-year college in eastern Washington State worried that untreated oral disease was a significant barrier to employment for her students. They were predominately first-generation post secondary, low income, and Latino or Native American. What evolved was an on-going collaborative project among Heritage College, the Department of Social and Health Services, and University of Washington. The project links to local agencies. Picture the Difference aims to increases college students' ability to control intergenerational transmission of preventable oral and other diseases using a community-base health promotion model.
Methods: To determine students' knowledge of oral health and their own dental needs, we conducted a student survey. The responses guided our educational approaches and the development of health promotion events in the community. Concurrently, integration of major health issues into science curricula in chemistry, microbiology, and biology began, along with inclusion of students in community outreach and pilot research projects.
Impact: Picture the Difference! combines science, compassion, research, and fun. Equal parts homework and housecall, the project promotes health and teaches oral health self-care in the classroom, on campus, and in the community. Classroom topics have included "Basics of Oral Health," "Little Tooth's Big Day," and "Can Your Teeth Pass the Stress Test?" Largest of the project's special events, "A Family Health Fair," fair included on-site health services, oral health street theatre with the UW Players, and a free family barbecue. Individual services have included dental treatment through the local agencies and the UW.
See depts.washington.edu/dhyg/collaborativeLearning Objectives: Participants will learn to articulate the elements of collaboration, identify a service market and its significant behaviors, and design relevant outreach, promotion, and education elements to reach this market.
Keywords: Community Outreach, Oral Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Heritage College
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Region 2 Medicaid Program
Yakima Valley Children's Oral Health Coalition
Yakima Valley Community College
City of Yakima
City of Mabton
Washington Dental Foundation, Ca
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.