WIC Program Learns About Importance of Oral Health From Heather Parsons DMD 11

Under the guidance of Division of Community Health Programs (CHP) Oral Health Promotion Director Kathy Lituri, Heather Parsons DMD 11 gave a presentation to the staff of the

Framingham Women, Infants & Children Program

(WIC), highlighting the importance of oral health.

Parson’s friend, a nutritionist with Framingham WIC, expressed a need for some basic oral health education for the site staff, and asked if she would be interested in giving a short presentation that highlighted oral health guidelines for pregnant women, newborns, and toddlers.

"I thought this was a great opportunity to share what I’ve learned while in dental school and help to educate more people about the importance of oral health, especially because WIC has many participants who are at higher risk for oral disease," said Parsons. "I am fortunate that BU has dedicated staff like Ms. Kathy Lituri and Ms. Dee Devlin, who provided exceptional guidance and support, and ultimately allowed me to take advantage of this opportunity."

She continued, "During my presentation I wanted to emphasize that the mouth is just as important as any other part of our body, and that preventing oral problems is more time and cost effective than treating the disease after it starts."

She also shared tips on preventing oral disease in babies and young children, the importance of oral hygiene for the mother-to-be, and the importance of dental visits for both children and adults.

"I hope that the WIC staff now feels more confident in sharing oral health information with their participants, and understands that oral health is a key component to overall health," said Parsons.