TOOTH Project
The South Texas Tooth Project, led by scientists at The University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center School of Dentistry and funded through a grant from Colgate-Palmolive, is a research study aimed at recruiting, training and equipping 150 elementary school teachers to educate students aged 5-10 on how to make oral health a lifelong habit. The study will evaluate the impact of teacher training on students’ oral health and explore how empowering educators with oral health knowledge can lead to better prevention, awareness and health behaviors among children. Participants are compensated for their time. A $300 honorarium is offered to participating teachers.
Why is the Tooth Project important?
- Texas has an extremely high level of dental diseases.
- Almost 50% of kindergarten children will have cavities in Texas.
- 1 in 6 children have untreated tooth decay.
Because children may visit a dentist only once a year or less, elementary school teachers can play a crucial role in educating students at an early age about oral health care, helping them establish healthy behaviors that will last a lifetime.
What will be evaluated?
- Teachers’ current knowledge of oral health
- Teachers’ opinions of the training program
- Teachers’ opinions of the students’ curriculum
Dental disease (gum disease and cavities) is caused by dental plaque and a sugary diet. The impact of oral diseases in children can result in pain, missing school, parents missing work, malnutrition and aggressive behavior.
How can oral disease in children be prevented?
- Proper oral hygiene
- Healthy food choices (limiting sugary products)
- Fluoride use (toothpaste and dentist)
Is a written consent required from the teachers?
No, we are not collecting any personal information from teachers who participate in the study.
Is written consent required from the students?
No, students are not directly participating in the study. There are no surveys for the students. The study is about training the teachers.
Are teachers and students given kits?
Yes, participating teachers and their students are given an oral-hygiene kit. Teachers are also given educational booklets, and teaching materials.
How are participants paid?
Compensation is provided through a ClinCard (reloadable gift card).
Total compensation?
Up to $300 for completing all training sessions and follow-up surveys
Is there compensation for my time?
| Timeline | Commitment | Compensation (US$) |
| Day 1 | 90-minute training and surveys | $100 |
| Day 7 | Surveys (online) | $25 |
| 3 Months | Follow-up seminars via zoom (30 minutes) and surveys (online) | $25 |
| 6 Months | Follow-up seminars via zoom (30 minutes) and surveys (online) | $25 |
| 12 Months | Follow-up seminars via zoom (30 minutes) and surveys (online) | $100 |
| Bonus | $25 additional compensation for completing all surveys | $25 |
| Total Honorarium | $300 |
