As a dental healthcare provider I am afforded the opportunity to educate my patients on good health practices. The role of a hygienist in overall health is tremendous. We are extensively educated in nutrition, systemic disease and disease prevention. I think there are so many avenues to take where education can be incorporated into care as well as outside the care/treatment arena.
In my private practice experience with adolescents, I discuss things such as good eating habits and smoking in addition to oral hygiene. This is the easy part! Outside of practice is where it is tough! I participate in a school program where I present information to Junior High and High school students and provide them with handouts and information to take home to share with parents/family. But how many people do I reach? Not enough! Here are a few suggestions for others to get involved:
Medical community - So often, doctors will prescribe a medication or complicated treatments to alleviate a problem when a simple old fashion remedy may do just as well or better. Recommend good eating habits, exercise, good sleep habits, non-smoking, no drugs, safe sex practices. Use your authority and the "respect" factor to capture their attention!
Media - I have noticed the PSA's from the cigarette companies, why is McDonalds (etc.) not required to do the same? When heart disease is one of the number one killers in America and we KNOW that it is linked to obesity (usually caused by excessive fat intake) why are they allowed to advertise on TV, billboards, buses, mail, etc.? Those rights were taken away from the cigarette companies, lets see our government collaborate with the media and get some good information that could educate people out there!
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