Healthy Habits for Aspiring Astronauts: Good Oral Health Doesn’t Stop on Earth
In 1973, cosmonaut Yuri Romanenko developed a toothache while on a 96-day mission to the International Space Station. His tooth caused him so much pain that it was near impossible for him to complete his mission. It’s clear that everyone can benefit from good oral health, including astronauts!
That’s why Delta Dental of Wisconsin is a proud major sponsor of Dream Flight USA, a space shuttle education mission that travels to Wisconsin schools to take student smiles to infinity and beyond.
Dream Flight gets children engaged in science, technology, engineering, and math. The program docks a mock space shuttle at elementary schools. Students complete hands-on workstations that challenge their critical and analytical thinking skills.
A Delta Dental sponsored workstation stresses the importance of children’s health and proper dental hygiene by having students assemble a tooth- and space-friendly lunch for their fellow astronauts. The hope is that future astronauts and scientists will not have the same oral health issues as Romanenko did in 1973.
Nick Ryan, executive director of Dream Flight, said, “So many students – hundreds a year – have been able to experience the hands-on learning delivered by the STEM Shuttle because of Delta Dental of Wisconsin’s support. Delta Dental provides funding for several shuttle missions a year to schools that don’t have money in their budgets for enrichment programs. Because of Delta Dental’s support, we have also been able to keep our fees down, making the STEM Shuttle more affordable for other schools.”
Here’s to many more years of healthy students reaching for the stars!
Related stories
-
Special Olympics Wisconsin: Special Smiles for a Special Cause
Delta Dental of Wisconsin is all smiles this summer – Special Olympics Wisconsin is back and ready … Read More
-
After-School Snacks for Every Schedule
Back-to-school season signals sports, schedules, and one other important staple – snacks. If you hear, “I’m … Read More
-
Keeping A Clean Toothbrush Routine [INFOGRAPHIC]
Ten million microbes can live on your toothbrush at a time. Learn how to keep a clean … Read More
Sign Up Now
Most Liked
- 1 Do Expiration Dates on Dental Products Matter? 305 Likes
- 2 Is Activated Charcoal Safe for your Smile? 167 Likes
- 3 Crazy and Cool Fish Teeth Facts 92 Likes
- 4 What Are Tonsil Stones? 81 Likes
- 5 Delta Dental Protects Your Eyes with DeltaVision® Coverage 74 Likes
- 6 The In-between Tooth: Guide to Bicuspids 53 Likes
- 7 Recipe: Quick Pumpkin Pudding 49 Likes
- 8 Bad Taste After Brushing? Common Explanations 44 Likes
- 9 People with Dental Benefits are Healthier 40 Likes
- 10 Own Your Oral Health: Subscribe now for tips to ensure a bright smile 39 Likes