Frequently asked questions about Oral-B's new patient education campaign

    Oct. 13, 2004
    Throughout National Dental Hygiene Month (October), Oral-B is giving the public "10 Questions to Ask Your Dental Hygienist"

    What is this campaign all about?
    In honor of National Dental Hygiene Month (October), Oral-B has created a new radio and direct mail campaign that leverages the vital role that dental hygienists play in educating patients about their oral health. The "10 Questions to Ask Your Dental Hygienist" campaign stresses the relationship between good oral health, and overall health and well being.

    Why did Oral-B decide to launch this campaign?
    Oral-B understands that patients have questions and concerns about their oral care and its link to their overall health. Many of these questions can be answered by a hygienist during regular visits. The '10 Questions to Ask Your Dental Hygienist' campaign will prompt patients to ask questions about issues that may be of concern to them.

    Oral-B also understands that dental hygienists have a wealth of knowledge to share with patients and wanted help ensure that patients are using their own dental hygienist as a source of information. There is no better time than National Dental Hygiene Month to get that dialogue going.

    How is Oral-B communicating this campaign to patients?
    Beginning Oct. 11, Oral-B will run national radio advertisements that will prompt patients to ask their dental hygienist questions about oral care issues. In addition, as of October 12, 2004, patients can learn more through the Internet at www.oralb.com.

    How is Oral-B communicating this campaign to dental professionals?
    A post card was sent to over 80,000 dental hygienists during the week of Oct. 4. This post card explained the basics of the program to hygienists.

    Next, another mailing will be sent to over 80,000 hygienists during the week of Oct. 11. This mailing will include a poster that can be displayed in the dental office. The poster has the 10 Questions patients might want to ask. In addition, as of Oct. 12, 2004 hygienists can learn more through the Internet at www.oralb.com. or www.oralbprofessional.com.

    What if a dental hygienist wants more information about the latest research regarding the '10 Questions'?
    The questions that have been suggested to patients are ones that dental hygienists answer every day so most hygienists already have information on these topics in their office. However, there is detailed information regarding each of the questions on the American Dental Hygienists' Association web site at www.adha.org. Just look under the "patient education" link for information and brochures to download for patients.

    What are the 10 Questions that Oral-B has suggested patients might ask?
    The 10 questions on the poster that will be sent to dental hygienists are:
    1. What is the impact of smoking on my oral health?
    2. How can I improve the appearance of my smile?
    3. What is a dental healthy diet?
    4. What are the signs of oral cancer?
    5. How do I minimize bad breath?
    6. As a diabetic, do I need to follow a different oral care routine?
    7. What should I do if someone in my family has a tooth knocked out?
    8. Does birth control or being pregnant have any impact on my oral health?
    9. Do adults need fluoride treatments?
    10. What happens if I open bottles with my teeth? (just kidding)

    How does a dental hygienist get a poster if they don't receive one in the mail or if they want additional copies?
    Dental hygienists who want additional copies of the poster may download a small version of the poster from the Oral-B web site at www.oralbprofessional.com OR calling the Oral-B Professional Customer Service line at (800) 446-7252