The Oral health Project

Abstract

Record ID: 315

Award(s): Excellence in Research Mentoring; Excellence in Research Communication

Student Major: Political Science

Project Advisor: Michael Sharp

Abstract: Village Life’s Oral Health Project is meant to improve the lack of oral health education throughout the Nyambogo, Buere, and Roche villages of the Rorya district in Tanzania. Currently, residents brush their teeth according to tradition, which includes the use of sticks and coal ash. Oftentimes, individuals will share sticks and brush for long periods of time, thus increasing their risk of tooth decay. When attempting to explain healthier oral health habits, Village Life is faced with a language barrier that could prevent effective communication and understanding among village residents. In addition, the lack of dental hygiene resources, like dentists, within the Rorya district requires the implementation of sustainable solutions to help residents improve their oral health. Over the course of the semester, we have created several templates for sustainable marketing materials meant to inform villagers of proper oral health care during Village Life's upcoming trip to Tanzania. Even further, we have worked in collaboration with Village Life and their Tanzanian partners to produce marketing materials that reflect cultural intelligence and ensure the information we provide is understandable and relatable in an effort to alleviate prevalent tooth decay and gum disease among villagers.

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