February is here and it is National Children’s Dental Health Month! We all know how important it is to maintain the health of our teeth, however, many people do not enjoy going to the dentist. The field of dentistry is constantly evolving to best suit patients' needs by making dentists visits easier, quicker and less painful.  

Today, you'll explore design a tool or device to improve dental experiences!

When you wake up in the morning, you brush your teeth. When you get ready for bed, you brush your teeth. Can you imagine life without a toothbrush? The toothbrush is an everyday essential that has changed dramatically since its invention sometime around 3000 B.C. We rely on this invention as much as cars, computers and cell phones.

Today, you'll imagine a new and improved toothbrush!

Step 1: Every modern invention has gone through a transformation from a basic design to an advanced product. The toothbrush is no exception. Watch this video about the evolution of the toothbrush.

Step 2: When engineers and innovators explore revisions to a creation, some ideas work well while others are too extreme for commercial success. View this infographic about the history of the toothbrush and read this article exploring a radical new toothbrush design.

Step 3: Consider the wide variety of manual and electric toothbrushes on the market here. Choose one to study further and start to think about how you can improve its design or function.

Step 4: How can you make the modern day toothbrush even better? Use this EDP to create a prototype of a new and improved toothbrush. It can be a detailed drawing or a model using materials you have around the house.

Step 5: Ask an adult to share your toothbrush design on social media using #WonderWednesdayTN and #AlwaysLearningTN!

Overall employment of people in the Dental Health industry is projected to grow from 2022 to 2029! Everyone should have access to dental healthcare so the demand for dental services will increase as the population ages and as research continues to link oral health to overall health and wellness.

Today, you'll learn more about in-demand careers in the dentistry field!

Step 1: Dental technologies continue to improve and advance the abilities of dental fields Watch this video from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry to learn about dental technology.

Step 2: Dentistry is a growing field with specialty areas from oral surgeon to orthodontist. Find out more about what it takes to become a dentist here.

Step 3: Dentistry, like many other fields, requires supportive staff to be successful. Explore dental health careers taking note of the skills and education needed here and here.

Step 4: Endodontics is special branch of dental science that focuses on the inside of the tooth (the pulp) and the root of the tooth. Learn more about this special field and the educational requirements here. 

Step 5: Ask an adult to share what you learned about a career on social media using #FutureFridayTN and #AlwaysLearningTN!