Ottawa Beach Dental Mouthguard Program

What is the goal of this program?

*This program seeks to protect the smiles of all high school athletes in the Holland area by making custom mouthguards at little or no cost. Dr. Poel seeks to increase the use of protective mouthguards through proper fit and minimal cost.

What is the purpose of a custom mouthguard, and who would benefit from the use of one?

*Custom mouthguards are designed to protect against tooth and facial trauma. A custom fit allows maximum protection while minimizing impact on speech and airflow for our athletes. A 2019 systematic review found mouthguard users 82-93% less likely to suffer dentofacial injuries while playing sports.

*The American Dental Association recommends wearing custom mouthguards for the following sports: acrobats, basketball, boxing, field hockey, football, gymnastics, handball, ice hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, roller hockey, rugby, shot putting, skateboarding, skiing, skydiving, soccer, squash, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, and wrestling. Mouthguards are also recommended for softball and baseball infielders.

How can you have your own mouthguard fabricated by our team, and what is the process?

*Mouthguard fabrication will require two short visits to Ottawa Beach Dental. A parent or legal guardian will need to be present if the student athlete is a minor. Please schedule an appointment by calling Ottawa Beach Dental at (616) 399-9530. We will initially be keeping this program open through February of 2024.

Appointment 1: 10-15 minutes

*A brief exam with Dr. Poel to ensure proper mouthguard selection

*Impressions will be captured to create ideal fit

Appointment 2: 5-10 minutes

*Delivery of the custom mouthguard and carrying case

* Instructions on homecare and best practices for mouthguards

What will this mouthguard cost you?

*Our team would like to ask for $20 to cover raw material costs. Dr. Poel will donate all time for appointments and fabrication. It is our hope that this minimal cost will keep this program sustainable for future seasons and expand the number of students we can reach. The mouthguard will be free if this cost is a barrier to protecting your smile. Our team is grateful for the role we get to play in this community.

1180 Ottawa Beach Rd Ste E | Holland, MI 49424 | Phone: (616) 399-9530 | Fax: (616) 399-9772