‘Tooth fairies’ raise money for dental hygiene program

Prioritizing oral health by taking a trip to the dentist isn’t always on the top of everyone’s list, but the dental hygiene program at the University of South Dakota is hoping to change that.

The streets of Vermillion will be filled with tooth fairies running in the Dental Hygiene Department’s 7^th Annual 5K run starting at 10 a.m. April 11 in the northern shelter at Prentis Park.

Senior Jessica Peterson is in the dental hygiene program and is helping promote the event.

“I’m most excited about everyone coming out dressing up like tooth fairies,” Peterson said. “It always adds excitement when you involve costumes.”

Those who register for the event will receive a tutu, fairy wings and a t-shirt by paying the registration fee of $35. Visiting the Dental Hygiene Department directly to register drops the price to $30.

The 5K is a way for the program to fundraise so they can keep purchasing the equipment required to clean patients’ teeth.

“In order for us to learn we have to go through a bunch of materials, unfortunately, because we’re cleaning teeth,” Peterson said.

Dental hygiene professor Graham Smith said the money goes to purchasing supplies that go back to the fundraisers the department does within the community, as well.

“We provide supplies for backpack programs, give classroom and daycare educational presentations, oral health screenings and fluoride varnishes at health fairs,” Smith said. “Generally, we hand out free toothbrushes and toothpaste at these events.”

Senior Jaci Dehner will be running the 5K this year and said the event is a great way to support the program.

“It’s kind of a thing to get outsiders involved in our program, knowing what it is and that we’re here,” Dehner said. “It’s something fun to do for the community.”

Dehner said most of the run’s attendees are usually students, but they are working to advertise more to the general public and through word of mouth so more community members participate.

While the event is not as focused on teaching attendees about oral health, Smith said the run is a way to tell others about the program at USD and bring awareness to the department.

“I was trying to think of a way for the race to be more unique,” Smith said. “Having people run as tooth fairies is a better way to promote oral hygiene, as well as have people recognize the program.”

Smith said the money earned through the event allows the department to continue educating children and parents about oral health as well as keep intact oral hygiene programs for children that wouldn’t otherwise be available.

“There are simple things you can do day in and day out to avoid so many problems,” Smith said

Smith said practicing oral care tasks like flossing, brushing teeth and visiting the dentist every six months will improve oral health.

Not only is the race promoting oral health, but health overall, Smith said.

“I look forward to a whole bunch of crazy people wearing fairy wings,” Smith said.