Prevention: Building Healthy Smiles for Life

Prevention is the foundation of everything we do. Our classroom and parent education programs extend the impact of our dental clinics by giving children, parents, and educators the knowledge and tools they need to maintain healthy smiles for a lifetime.

During each annual Dental Week, our two mobile prevention teams visit local schools throughout the Santa Catarina Mita region. Children in preschool and grades 3–6 who are not receiving treatment in the clinic receive fluoride varnish applications from nursing students and health workers from the Catocha Health Department. Midway through the school year, our local Program Manager coordinates a second fluoride application for all participating students, providing continued protection between our annual visits.

In addition to fluoride treatments, volunteers present age-appropriate lessons on proper toothbrushing, healthy eating habits, and cavity prevention. U.S. volunteers and local health workers use interactive demonstrations to engage children in learning about effective brushing techniques while explaining how cavities develop, how fluoride and dental sealants protect teeth, and why good oral health is an important part of overall health.

Parents are essential partners in our prevention efforts. Parent educators lead interactive sessions in both the schools and the clinic, offering practical guidance on caring for children’s oral health and reinforcing the healthy habits students learn in the classroom.

Because prevention continues long after our volunteers return home, our Program Manager established a monthly Dental Day program in every participating school. Throughout the school year, principals, teachers, students, and parents explore a different oral health topic each month, including healthy nutrition, cavity prevention, gingivitis, fluoride, dental sealants, and other preventive care practices. Educational materials and activities are shared through WhatsApp, helping schools and families stay engaged and reinforcing healthy habits year-round.

Regular toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste remains the simplest, most affordable, and most effective way to prevent tooth decay. By combining preventive treatments, education, and strong community partnerships, Nuevas Sonrisas is helping children and families build healthy habits that will benefit them for a lifetime.