Oral Hygiene Initiative
Classroom by classroom, building habits that last a lifetime
Rethink Your Drink
Sugary drinks are one of the biggest causes of tooth decay in the children we serve, so we put the problem on the wall where they can see it. Our sugar boards and soda posters show exactly how much sugar is hiding in the drinks children buy every day.
On 6 August 2026 our Volunteer Tourism team carried the newest Bocas del Toro edition to Bocatorito school in Dolphin Bay, Panama, reaching approximately 65 children alongside fluoride treatments and oral health supplies, as part of The Panama Project.
Every poster is free to download and print, in English and Spanish.
What we do
The Oral Hygiene Initiative embraces the life-course perspective in order to change social perceptions of health. We implement classroom-based curriculum that is simple for educators to teach and exciting for students to learn, so students are empowered to build healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
As oral health professionals serving in the public health sector, we address the direct link between oral and systemic health, provide resources, and prevent oral disease. This youth education program lets us influence childhood health habits directly, while sending information home to parents and grandparents about disease prevention.
What is in an OHI-Box
- A 5 month educational curriculum for teachers
- Monthly student activities with all necessary materials
- Classroom posters and visual aids
- Student toothbrushes, toothpaste, and brushing calendars
- Prizes awarded for demonstrating good brushing habits
- Notes home to parents and family members
- Discounted treatment at partnered local dentists
Where we are working
Our pilot program is running at Jesus Garcia Elementary in Rosarito, Mexico, across seven classrooms: two 1st grade, three 3rd grade, and two 5th grade.
Get involved
Educators: Apply for an OHI-Box for your classroom.
Rotarians: Join the Building Bridges Through Rotary campaign and partner with an elementary school. Sponsor a classroom, a grade, or an entire school by donating funds or building your own boxes.
Volunteers and health professionals: Spread the word about the mouth body connection in your community.
Contact us
Tell us how you would like to be involved and we will get back to you.
