Thank you for helping assemble 10,436 early dental health starter kits!
During the week of March 15-19, 24 staff members, 14 students and eight faculty members volunteered their time to help assemble 10,436 early dental health starter kits packed with unique oral hygiene items and education for children from birth to 6 years old. The kits are given at no cost to new parents and caregivers across Nebraska with the goal of reducing dental disease.
"I loved being able to help kiddos learn about good oral hygiene habits! Early dental health education is important for creating lifelong habits," said Jordan Borzekofski, appointment clerk.
The number of kits assembled each day were: Monday - 1,787, Tuesday - 2,357, Wednesday - 2,692, Thursday - 1,918 and Friday - 1,682.
5,000 kits were given to the Health Center Association of Nebraska in Omaha to distribute to community health centers throughout the state. Another 5,000 were given to the Children’s Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha. These kits have an estimated value of $50,000.
This educational project is a partnership between the College of Dentistry, the Nebraska Community Foundation and the DHHS Office of Oral Health. Since February 2020, over 18,000 early dental health starter kits have been distributed across Nebraska. The kits have become especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic when many young children have limited access to preventive care.
The overall project goal is to assemble 25,000 kits. To reach this goal, the college will host another packing event in June 2021.
"I look forward to helping with this outreach project again! It's a fun opportunity to help children in Nebraska," said Sara Klein, appointment clerk.
