FRANKLIN, OHIO: Oral health often takes a backseat in daily routines, especially for children. But one Ohio dentist is determined to change that narrative, ensuring that proper oral hygiene becomes second nature for kids and their parents alike.
Dr. Turab Rai, an Ohio-based dentist, recognized a significant gap in dental education during his time in dental school. “They were teaching us how to treat patients, but they weren’t teaching us how to be leaders or teachers in our communities,” Rai recalled. To bridge this gap, he launched the Bright Smiles Community Outreach Coalition, a rapidly expanding nonprofit that is making waves in Western Ohio.
The Mission: Making Oral Health Education Accessible
At its core, the coalition is dedicated to spreading awareness about oral health and the importance of preventive care. “Tooth-brushing technique plays a massive role in maintaining healthy teeth, yet many people don’t realize they are doing it incorrectly,” Rai emphasized. He highlighted the importance of brushing along the gum line and reaching back teeth, areas where food and bacteria tend to accumulate.
“Preventative care boils down to two key things: nutrition and hygiene,” Rai explained. “It’s not just what you eat but how frequently you eat. Snacking throughout the day keeps your mouth in an acidic environment, which accelerates tooth decay.”
To drive home his point, he used a simple analogy: placing a tooth in a glass of soda. “Over time, the tooth dissolves—that’s what’s happening in your mouth when it's constantly exposed to acids. I tell people to eat whatever they want, but in a single sitting, then rinse their mouth afterward.”
A Holistic Approach to Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Rai believes that dentistry isn’t just about fixing teeth; it’s about building trust. “We need to move faster in valuing the human aspect of healthcare. Making kids feel at ease at the dentist’s office is just as important as treating cavities,” he said.
For parents, he suggests making oral care a fun and engaging family activity. “Kids are sponges. If they see you brushing and flossing regularly, they’ll mimic your behavior. Turn it into family time—brush together, play music, or use toothbrushes that light up.”
Community Outreach and Dental Kit Giveaways
The Bright Smiles Coalition’s impact is far-reaching. Jennifer Reed, the coalition’s president, emphasized how their outreach programs benefit children from an early age. “We conduct school visits and provide kids as young as three with essential dental care knowledge. Every child also receives a basic dental kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss.”
Reed recalled a touching encounter at a daycare outreach program. “A little girl excitedly told me she had been brushing her teeth for two minutes every day. Moments like these remind us why we do this work.”
Extending a Helping Hand to Those in Need
The coalition’s impact extends beyond classrooms and into underserved communities. “We once met a homeless woman who hadn’t owned a toothbrush in four months. She was ashamed of her smile,” Reed shared. “We provided her with a dental kit and guidance on finding affordable care. Our motto is, ‘Every smile has a story.’”
Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. The coalition is now expanding beyond Ohio to Texas and California, where access to dental education and supplies is equally needed.
Global Outreach and Disaster Relief
Bright Smiles is setting its sights on international expansion, with a mission trip to Africa planned for the fall. “We don’t want anyone to feel like they have to go months without brushing their teeth because they can’t afford it,” Reed emphasized.
Additionally, the coalition is actively involved in disaster relief, having sent over 155,000 dental kits to areas affected by wildfires and hurricanes in California, Florida, North Carolina, and Kentucky.
How to Support the Bright Smiles Coalition
Community support is the backbone of the organization. “We wouldn’t exist without donations and partnerships,” Reed stated. Those interested in supporting the coalition can visit www.brightsmilescoalition.org to learn more, schedule an outreach, or make a direct contribution.
By promoting oral health awareness and making dental care more accessible, Dr. Turab Rai and Bright Smiles are ensuring that every child has a reason to smile