(NOTE: The new curriculum to the right are in VERY large files. It may take a while to download them and you may have to try to down load them a few times. If you would like the curriculum and videos on a flash drive, please contact the ODA and we will mail you one.)

 The ODA, under the direction of the Council on Dental Education and Public Information and in partnership with Schools for Healthy Lifestyles (SHL), is a part of the "Adopt-A-Dentist" program. 

"Adopt-a-Dentist" dentists are partnered, through the ODA, with a school in the Schools for Healthy Lifestyles (SHL) program.Currently, there are 51 SHL schools in Oklahoma.

Expectations for an "Adopted" Dentist

¨      The adopted dentist(s) will visit the school and make oral health educational presentations.  The number of visits will vary dependant upon the school’s size and specific needs, and the dentist’s and school’s time allowance.  The adopted dentist and the school are especially encouraged to schedule presentations during Children’s Dental Health Month in February.

¨      The ODA will provide the adopted dentist all oral health educational materials.  The materials will focus on overall oral health and how it relates to the four SHL key areas:

o   Safety and Injury Prevention

o   Nutrition Education and Awareness

o   Tobacco Use Prevention

o   Promoting Physical Activity and Fitness

¨      The adopted dentist will assist the school in making arrangements for emergency dental care for low income students with no financial resources for treatment.

¨      The adopted dentist will work with the Oklahoma Dental Foundation to schedule a site visit with the Mobile Dental Unit.  The adopted dentist and their staff will serve as the volunteers in the mobile van that day, treating eligible students, as identified by the school.

¨       Adopted dentists will be a part of the schools career day to promote the dental field as a career option.

¨      All adopted dentists will be recognized with an ODA/SHL certificate and listed in the SHL newsletter, Lifeline. 

¨      All adopted dentists will be recognized in the ODA Journal.

¨      All adopted dentists will be eligible for a new SHL award for the Outstanding Adopted Dentist, as nominated by the schools and chosen by the SHL Board of Directors.  The award will be presented at the Annual SHL Awards Dinner each fall.