Nation First: 244 Preschool Teachers in Longwen District Receive Oral Health Training
On the afternoon of September 19, 2026, the multi-function hall of Frog Prince Group hosted the Longwen District All-for-One Health (Oral Health Science Popularization) Teaching Skills Competition. A total of 244 preschool teachers from 22 public kindergartens across Longwen District took part in the event, which combined professional training with practical skills assessments.
Guided by the China Dental Disease Prevention Foundation, the event was jointly organized by the Longwen District Federation of Trade Unions, Longwen District Bureau of Health, and Longwen District Education Bureau of Zhangzhou City. Fujian Azalli Daily Chemicals Co., Ltd. served as the implementing partner.
As part of the program, participating teachers received oral health training and completed assessments for the “Healthy Oral Health Promotion – Science Popularization Communicator” certificate issued by the China Dental Disease Prevention Foundation. The initiative represents a pioneering effort to provide preschool teachers with collective, professional training and assessment in oral health education.
Oral health is an essential part of overall well-being, especially during childhood, when lifelong habits begin to take shape. From the national “Three Reductions and Three Healths” healthy lifestyle initiative to the Five-Health Promotion Action Plan for Children and Adolescents (2026–2030), oral health has remained an important focus of public health efforts.
With the 38th National Teeth-Care Day approaching, Longwen District brought practical oral health education directly to the people who work with young children every day. The goal was simple but meaningful: help teachers develop the knowledge and skills they need to protect children's oral health from an early age.
At the opening ceremony, representatives from the participating organizations highlighted the importance of strengthening oral health education in kindergartens. They encouraged teachers to make the most of the training, build a solid understanding of evidence-based dental care, and bring what they learned back to their classrooms. They also called for closer cooperation among relevant organizations to make oral health education a regular part of campus life and support the healthy development of children and adolescents.
A Dental Health Lesson for Teachers
For one afternoon, the teachers set aside their usual classroom preparations and activities to focus on a different subject: how to care for teeth properly.
During the lecture, Wang Bo, Chief Development Consultant of the China Dental Disease Prevention Foundation, explained the close relationship between oral health and overall health. Drawing on common dental problems in children, he emphasized that prevention is far more effective than treatment and that many dental problems can be traced to habits formed in early childhood.
For the teachers in attendance, the lesson was about more than personal dental care. It was also about understanding how small, everyday habits can make a lasting difference in the lives of the children they teach.
The training covered three toothbrushing techniques: the arc brushing method, the rotary sweeping method, and the horizontal vibratory sweeping method. Teachers also learned how to use dental floss, interdental brushes, and mouthwash correctly. These practical skills will help them provide more effective oral health guidance in their kindergartens.
Putting Toothbrushing Skills to the Test
After the hands-on training, the teachers moved on to the formal assessment, where they had the opportunity to put their newly learned skills into practice.
Scientific toothbrushing was a central part of the examination. Using the intelligent “Yaya Helper” toothbrushing guidance instrument, assessors evaluated each teacher's performance as they demonstrated the horizontal vibratory sweeping technique.
The certification process followed the standards established by the China Dental Disease Prevention Foundation. To qualify for the “Healthy Oral Health Promotion – Science Popularization Communicator” certificate, participants had to score at least 70 points in the practical toothbrushing test and pass all three practical assessments covering dental floss, interdental brushes, and mouth rinsing.
The atmosphere in the hall was focused but lively. Some teachers carefully concentrated on every movement as they brushed, while others checked their toothbrushes after completing their demonstrations. Those waiting for their turn watched closely, picking up tips from their colleagues and preparing for their own assessments.
The competition also encouraged teamwork. Individual scores contributed to each kindergarten's overall result, with 22 kindergarten teams competing for first-, second-, and third-place awards. The winning teams received honorary certificates jointly issued by the Longwen District Federation of Trade Unions, Longwen District Bureau of Health, and Longwen District Education Bureau.
Helping Children Build Healthy Habits for Life
The training marked the beginning of a new responsibility for the 244 participating teachers: becoming everyday advocates for children's oral health.
Back in their kindergartens, they will be able to demonstrate proper brushing techniques, help children understand the importance of preventing dental problems early, and incorporate oral health guidance into daily routines. From morning health checks to rinsing after meals, these small, consistent practices can help children develop habits that stay with them as they grow.
The impact can extend well beyond the classroom. When children bring what they learn home, they can encourage their parents and other family members to pay more attention to oral health, too. In this way, a lesson taught by one teacher can gradually influence an entire family.
The initiative marks an important step in strengthening oral health education in Longwen District's kindergartens. Looking ahead, the district plans to continue advancing its “Healthy Oral Health into Campuses” initiative, bringing professional oral health support to more children and helping build a stronger foundation for long-term public health.
By equipping teachers with practical knowledge and skills, Longwen District is taking a meaningful step toward making oral health education part of children's everyday lives — starting with the people who guide them through their earliest years.
