American Dental Association debuts new OralLongevity Web Site

CHICAGO--The OralLongevity section of the American Dental Association Web site has received a face-lift.

Retaining its domain at OralLongevity, the refreshed site features an updated design, enhanced navigation and new content for the initiative that helps increase awareness about the importance of older Americans maintaining good oral health for a lifetime.

To create a user-friendly online experience and a more effective mechanism for distributing oral health messages to key audiences, the site is arranged in three distinct sections:

*OralLongevity landing page with an overview of the program objectives and information tools

* Resources for Dental Professionals to raise awareness of the special oral needs of an aging population

* Resources for Consumers to empower seniors to take control of their oral health

For easy navigation, a link to the OralLongevity brochure and DVD appears on each page, along with anchor tags that jump directly into a specific topic within the section.

In addition, the Web site offers presentation materials to assist dentists in educating other health professionals, older adult patients and caregivers about the importance of oral health.

These online resources can be used in the dental office or in the community. New and expanded materials that may be downloaded and duplicated directly from the web site include:

* Commonly asked questions and answers for patients

* Program outlines for presenting the DVD to health professionals, patients or caregivers

* Post-test for consumers

* Sample press release to publicize your OralLongevity outreach activity

* Clinical articles from JADA and other dental publications

In the Consumer Resources section, visitors will find tips for taking care of their teeth, pointers on making the most of visiting the dentist, and a discussion of the connection between oral health and overall health. A reference list of articles on various oral-health topics is provided for those seeking more in-depth information.

A link to "Find an ADA Member Dentist" also can be found at this location.

To read more about the ADA, go to PennWell Dental Community site, exhibitions and longevity.