Every summer, the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma (DSACO) hosts Occupational Therapy (OT) Camps to help children and young adults learn important life skills and develop greater independence. This year, thanks to a $15,184 grant from Delta Dental of Oklahoma (DDOK) Foundation, the DSACO was able to add a dedicated oral health component to its annual OT camps for the first time.

Many of us take for granted the ease of brushing our teeth. For those with Down syndrome, maintaining good oral hygiene can be a struggle. Due to biological factors and differences in immune response, between 60% and 90% of individuals with Down syndrome under age 35 develop periodontal (gum) disease—a rate drastically higher than the general population. Additionally, physical hurdles such as lower muscle tone and smaller oral cavities can make standard brushing difficult, while sensory sensitivities lead roughly one-third of caregivers to report daily difficulties with toothbrushing routines.

The oral health component at this year’s camps actively worked to change these statistics. Thanks to the grant funding from DDOK Foundation, University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry students interacted alongside participants at the OT clinics in a supportive, sensory-friendly environment and taught them important dental habits designed to make daily brushing and flossing more accessible and effective.

"At Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation, our mission is to advance the oral health of all Oklahomans, and this includes our friends in the Down syndrome community,” said Terrisa Singleton-Smith, director of DDOK Foundation. "We are proud to partner with the DSACO to provide essential support and hands-on guidance that empower campers to maintain healthy smiles for life."

DSACO’s annual OT Camps focus on building independence, self-care skills, and confidence through fun and engaging activities. The addition of oral health education complements the camp's core goal of equipping participants with practical skills for daily living. This year, DSACO hosted five OT camps and served 40 participants.

"We are very grateful to the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation for championing this effort," said Sarah Soell, executive director of the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma. "Integrating dental hygiene into our OT curriculum meets a critical, everyday need and gives our participants the tools and boost of self-assurance they need to thrive.”

The Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma exists to raise awareness and provide resources, as well as promote acceptance and inclusion for people with Down syndrome. Learn more at dsaco.org.

Each year, Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation provides grants to support free and low-cost dental clinics, oral health education programs, dental student scholarships and more. In 2026, including the DSACO grant, DDOK Foundation awarded more than $3.9 million in grants to 65 oral health initiatives across the state. To learn more about Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation, visit ddokfoundation.org.