School Nurses Become Oral Health Action Heroes

Thanks to the generous support of the Delta Dental of Kentucky Foundation, school nurses across Kentucky are better equipped to fight tooth decay and promote healthy habits among their students. By equipping trusted professionals with resources to reach children where they are, America’s ToothFairy helps expand access to oral health education and preventive care. A $7,500 grant from the Foundation funded oral health education kits for 10 school nurses, each serving approximately 200 elementary school children and their families—bringing vital resources to more than 2,000 Kentuckians.

These school nurses received:

• 200 Oral Health Action HERO activity booklets;
• 200 “Healthy for Life” rack cards with family oral health tips;
• 200 dry erase brushing chart bags;
• 1 ToothFairy 101 Community Education Kit with scripted lesson plans; and
• 200 toothbrushes for youth.

When children learn healthy habits early and families receive practical tools they can use at home, education becomes a powerful form of prevention.

In regions where access to dental care remains a significant challenge, these tools help bridge the gap through education and early prevention. Kentucky ranks among the states with the highest rates of dental health issues. According to the CDC, more than 40% of Kentucky’s third graders have untreated tooth decay—well above the national average. For families in rural or underserved communities, school nurses are often the most trusted and consistent point of contact for health information.

One of the participating nurses, Rebecca Mitchell of Shepherdsville, KY, shared her enthusiasm:‍

“We absolutely loved the teaching magnetic board showing healthy food choices! The students could be active participants! Of course, the toothbrushes were a hit! Thank you!!”

The Kentucky School Nurse Oral Health HERO Initiative, developed by America’s ToothFairy, empowers these frontline health workers to educate students about how oral health impacts overall health, encourage better hygiene habits, and connect families with safety-net dental providers in their area.

This initiative would not be possible without the support of the Delta Dental of Kentucky Foundation. Their continued investment in oral health equity ensures that children—no matter where they live—have the tools they need to build healthy smiles that last a lifetime.

Programs like this are made possible by supporters who believe every child deserves a healthy smile. Help us equip more school nurses, educators, and community partners with the tools they need to reach children near you. Learn more on our Smile Guardian Program page.