What is an MSB Coach?
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An MSB Coach is a healthcare worker who provides guidance, answers questions, and offers technical support throughout your oral health journey. Coaches are also available to assist with general inquiries, provide emotional support, and help navigate challenges, especially for users who may be unfamiliar with technology, have difficulty reading, or face other barriers.
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Why do some users have MSB Coaches while others don’t?
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Some people might be comfortable working through the MSB program by themselves, others may value some guidance. We aim to serve people from all backgrounds, including those who may need extra assistance. MSB Coaches are available for users who might benefit from additional support, whether due to technology access, literacy challenges, or other difficulties. If you ever feel you need guidance or emotional support, a coach may be available to help.
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Who can serve as an MSB Coach? What are Coach’s qualifications?
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MSB Coaches come from various backgrounds, including:
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Dental professionals: Dentists, therapists, hygienists, and assistants
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Supporting professionals: Social workers, nutritionists, health educators, case workers, care coordinators
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Lay health workers: community health workers, outreach workers, community dental health coordinators, Head Start health counselors and more!
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Strong communication skills, an understanding of users’ barriers and needs, and training in motivational interviewing are valuable assets. Since behavior change is challenging, coaches should be skilled in supporting and encouraging users throughout the process.
What programs can incorporate MSB in their work?
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MySmileBuddy can support Head Start/Early Head Start, WIC, and Maternal Infant Early Childhood Home Visitation (MIECHV) programs that work with socially families with young children.
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Introducing the MSB Learning Management System (LMS)
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What is it?
The MSB Learning Management System (LMS) is a tool designed to onboard MSB Coaches with essential oral healthcare information, instructions on using the MSB program, and guidance on implementing it within their organization.
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The LMS is a self-paced learn-as-you-go interactive program. It may reinforce knowledge you already have and provide information that is new to you.
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Why did we develop it?
To assist organizations and coaches in better implementing the MSB program and developing clear expectations for interactions with users.
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​Curriculum:
The MSB LMS Curriculum
Content including but not limited to:​
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Introduction of dental caries and oral health inequities
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The relationship between nutrition and oral healthcare
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Behavioral foundations of healthy diet and hygiene habits
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Regular dental care
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Dental caries as a multifactorial disease
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Therapeutic caries counseling
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Introduction to the MySmileBuddy Program and its admin & support
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Core elements and implementation
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Program access and implementation
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Program preparation and implementation support
Schedule a Demo
​To discuss your interest and arrange a demonstration, contact qx2148@cumc.columbia.edu.