Originally designed with and for Head Start, Early Head Start and ECEAP, materials can be adapted to other family programs, such as Boys' and Girls' Clubs, WIC, child care settings, etc. It can also be used to train dental assistants and dental hygienists working in community outreach programs. A new, condensed program for child care settings is coming soon.

Once you have received training, you can apply the curriculum to your setting... and train others.

Head Start and ECEAP programs

Cavity Free Kids was designed with and for you!

Head Start programs in Yakima, Washington were dismayed by the oral health of children in their care. They asked Washington Dental Service Foundation for help in developing a prevention program that would fit their families:

• Low income
• Low literacy

Curriculum authors met with Head Start teachers, teacher's aids, home visitors, center managers and parents to learn needs and requirements. Pilot programs gave additional feedback. As CFK is used throughout the state (and beyond) we continue to listen and hone the products to be user and family friendly.

The authors are a unique team of an oral health professional, Joyce Hagen, and an early childhood & parent education specialist, Becky Huntley. This combination of skills allows us to make oral health messages meaningful and practical. Every page reflects the philosophy that people of all ages learn when we make a serious subject fun!

Read more about the program's history.