The Smiles for Life curriculum is designed to provide evidence-based interprofessional education for all members of the primary care team. Oral health education across the lifespan is provided through eight modules: (1) the relationship between oral and systemic health, (2) the oral examination, (3) child, (4) adult, and (5) geriatric oral health, (6) oral health in pregnancy, (7) oral emergencies, and (8) fluoride varnish application.
The modules utilize downloadable PowerPoint files for group education, as well as web-based learning modules for individual study. Self-assessment tools are provided, and continuing education credit is available for physicians, nurses, and physician assistants. Additional resources include videos, pocket cards, mobile applications, and website links.
Smiles for Life is used in a large number of family medicine and pediatric residency programs as well as nursing and physician assistant training programs. The entire curriculum has been peer-reviewed by the American Association of Medical Colleges MedEdPORTAL as well as by ten endorsing academic and practice organizations including the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Physician Assistants, American College of Nurse Midwives, and American Dental Association.
The educational materials included in Smiles for Life have been evaluated in published, peer-reviewed clinical trials and demonstrated to improve knowledge acquisition and retention as well as change practice patterns.
* Please note: Information contained in this database is self-reported by representatives from each program. It does not represent an exhaustive list of education and training programs and inclusion does not constitute an endorsement from the PCPCC.
