Traveling Tooth Fairies more than a fairy tale

The remarkable success story of the Traveling Tooth Fairies Dental Initiative is the uplifting news we all need right now. This smart, collaborative program provides free cavity prevention and dental referrals to elementary and middle school kids in Nashua who would not otherwise receive oral health care. It is the brainchild of two very dedicated and determined public health dental hygienists and past presidents of the NH Dental Hygienist Association Myra Nikitas and Mary Duquette.

Data collected from New Hampshire’s third grade students during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years showed that Nashua had some of the highest numbers of untreated dental decay among school-age children in our state. This data, combined with their experience of treating young children with tooth decay, inspired Nikitas and Duquette to make it their mission to improve access to care for kids whose oral health care was lacking.

“This is where I live, and to hear that was very sad to me,” Nikitas said in an interview last year. “Our mission is to help these kids and we’re here to provide the care. I’m very passionate about this because I was one of those kids who received care through a school-based program, so I know firsthand how impactful it is.”

They created a nonprofit 501(c)(3) called Traveling Tooth Fairies to continue the federally funded Sealing Smiles Across New Hampshire cavity prevention pilot program, which was due to end in June 2024. By becoming a nonprofit 501(c)(3) entity, they can apply for funding, carry out fundraising, and collaborate with other nonprofits to keep the program going. The new initiative is funded through June 30, 2025.

Since its start on November 15 of last year, the Traveling Tooth Fairies Initiative has screened over 800 elementary and middle school students and referred more than 220 children to dental care providers. Over 6,000 dental sealants have been placed, and services such as oral health screenings and the application of fluoride varnishes have been offered. This collaborative public health initiative could provide the entire state with a sustainable and workable model for oral health.

Adding to this good news is the recognition of Nikitas, who recently received the New Hampshire Healthcare Heroes Award. Most often, accolades and awards go to CEOs, presidents, or executive directors of programs. It is rare for an on-the-ground, direct healthcare provider who sees patients and understands the critical importance of preventative dental care throughout the community to be honored in this way.

Hygienists know that removing barriers to dental care, particularly for children in need, is of paramount importance. Portable oral health programs like Traveling Tooth Fairies are instrumental in overcoming social, economic, and geographic obstacles that impede access to care, especially in schools with a high percentage of students eligible for free or reduced lunch programs.

The support of DHHS, the Nashua school system, the City of Nashua, Northeast Delta Dental, the Lions Club, and others, has been key to promoting oral health and preventing dental issues among schoolchildren in Nashua. But to ensure the sustainability of Traveling Tooth Fairies, an ongoing source of revenue is needed, to cover the costs of care, staff salaries, equipment maintenance, supplies, and other expenses. Some potential sources of reimbursement include Medicaid and grant funding from public or private entities. The NH Dental Hygienist Association looks forward to identifying additional funding sources and working with others in the community and state to continue and build on this success story.

•••

Jennifer Pearl is President of the NH Dental Hygienist Association. She lives in Concord.