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The BSBF Philosophy
From the tiniest community to the most populated urban center, BSBF inspires kids to take control of their own oral health. Using Dr. Rabbitand Dr. Brushwell — the engaging cartoon dentists — as its mascots, the program speaks out to children in ways that intrigue and inspire them. Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® is a comprehensive education program — but it's a philosophy, too. It's all about giving teachers, children and families the tools they need to make good oral health a permanent part of their lives. With the focus on prevention, the program builds self-esteem and teaches good oral health practices that help children's smiles last a lifetime.
Makes It Easy To Teach Oral Health!
With BSBF, oral health becomes part of the everyday classroom environment!
For teachers today, the greatest challenge is having time to fit in everything
they need to teach. BSBF
fits into the existing curriculum, providing quality classroom materials that can be used to teach the required classroom subjects — like language arts, science, social studies and math.
High Quality Education and Memorable Learnings
The BSBF program was developed with an International Advisory Board
of educational, dental and multicultural experts, and tested with children and teachers in real classrooms. Since its inception in the U.S., BSBF has worked side-by-side with the Head Start Bureau, Maternal and Child Health, U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services to provide materials appropriate for younger children.
Over the years, BSBF has included a variety of components, and is continually updated to engage and excite both teachers and children. The videos in the program have received the prestigious "Silver Screen Award" from the U.S. International Film & Video Festivals, and the kits have been recognized for outstanding achievement in social commitment by the Globals Healthcare Communications Competition.
It's All About Bright Smiles!
But the crowning achievement of BSBF truly lies in the faces of the smiling children who participate in this confidence-building program, year after year. Children discover that they can take control of their own oral health™ which is what BSBF is all about.
Bright Smiles, Bright Futures®: A Partnership Approach
Colgate recognizes that fostering partnerships between governments, health care and educational organizations, professional associations and health care providers strengthens the impact of the BSBF initiative around the world.
In the Global Community
From the smallest rural village to the most highly populated urban center, the Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® community extends far and wide. Each year, BSBF reaches 50 million children and their families ... in 30 languages and 80 countries. Here's how ...
Australia and New Zealand: Launched in 1997, BSBF is endorsed by the Australian Dental Association (ADA), New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA), Australian Dental Therapist's Association (ADTA), Dental Hygientists' Association of Australia (DHAA), and the New Zealand Dental Therapist's Association (NZDTA). Colgate provides BSBF training to dental professionals working with teachers in schools, mobile vans, clinics, dental colleges and universities.
China: Commencing the program in 1994, China has reached over
87 million children in the past ten years. BSBF is endorsed by the Chinese Stomatology Association (CSA) and the National Education Committee (NEC).
Jamaica: The BSBF education curriculum is the core oral health resource material for all third grade students in Jamaica. The program is endorsed by the Jamaica Dental Association, the Jamaica Dental Auxiliaries, and the Ministries of Health and Education.
Pakistan: In 2002, the program expanded to remote areas of Pakistan. Lack of electricity in these areas is no obstacle to spreading the BSBF message, where flip charts and other print materials are used. Since its launch, the program has reached over 1.6 million children.
Poland: Endorsed by the Polish Dental Association and the Ministries of Health and Education, BSBF reaches every 8-year-old child in Poland. The program succeeds due to strong cooperation with Regional Health Centers that implement BSBF in the schools.
South Africa: Colgate partners with the dental universities to provide oral health education and treatment on a mobile health train that travels throughout the region. A Road Show featuring Dr. Rabbit, together with visits by "Mama Colgate," promote the use of BSBF in schools.
In the Schools
Reaching children in the schools is a cornerstone of the Colgate effort. Developed with an International Advisory Board of educational, dental and multicultural experts, the BSBF award-winning, developmentally-appropriate materials are designed to be used by children ages 4 through 9. There are a variety of materials ranging from www.colgatebsbf.com to videos to flip charts, storybooks and posters so that limited technology is not an obstacle to spreading the message of BSBF.
In the Dental Office
Providing educational outreach materials to children and their parents during the dental visit is another important facet of Colgate's global commitment. With the goal of enhancing the critical role dental professionals play in influencing positive oral health behaviors among children and their families, Colgate created a Professional Resource Guide to help dental professionals utilize the various education materials in the dental office and other settings.
My Bright Smile Art Contest
Each year, the My Bright Smile Global Art Contest invites children from classrooms all over the world to render what their bright smile means to them. Winners receive a scholarship for themselves and their school. You can view winners from over the years by visiting the online Art Gallery.
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