THE mOLAR mOVEMENT
One story, one molar, one mission
Learn the personal story of Mrs. Lisa Wills (The Molar Mentor) and her inspiration to start The Molar Movement!
The Story Behind the Molar Movement
Lisa Maria Wills is a veteran educator, child advocate, children’s book author, and health advocate with more than 23 years of experience working with students in urban communities. In addition to her work as a classroom teacher, she previously served as an adult probation officer and has spent over two decades as a cycle instructor promoting health and wellness. Throughout her career, Lisa has dedicated her life to empowering children with knowledge, mentorship, and advocacy.
The inspiration behind The Molar Movement comes from her own story.
As a child, Lisa was never taken to the dentist and was never taught the basics of oral health. She did not understand how many teeth children should have, what molars were responsible for, or how important prevention was in protecting her smile. Much of the damage to her teeth occurred between the ages of 8 and 18 simply because she lacked the education and guidance that every child deserves.
When Lisa turned 18 and was finally old enough to take herself to the dentist, she hoped for restorative care that would help save her teeth. Instead, her molars were extracted. Over time she received two bridges in her lower jaw to replace the missing teeth, but after nearly twenty years both bridges failed. With implants financially out of reach and insurance policies that exclude prior dental loss through missing tooth clauses, Lisa ultimately had no choice but to wear a lower partial denture.
Today she lives with one natural molar and a lower partial denture. She often reflects on the reality that her situation might have been very different if she had received education and advocacy about prevention as a child.
Years later, as a fourth grade teacher in Indianapolis, Lisa began noticing something troubling. Many of her students were experiencing the same patterns she had lived through as a child. Cavities, dental pain, and confusion about oral health were common.
Lisa knew something had to change.
Lisa believes oral health education is just as important as reading and math because it directly affects a child’s health, confidence, and well being. Through this prevention based program, students learn the science of their smiles and how to protect them for life.
Students learn how many teeth children and adults have and why molars are essential for chewing and long term dental health. They explore the layers of the tooth and the function of each layer. They learn the importance of brushing three times per day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash as part of a complete oral care routine. Students are also taught how to evaluate their mouths for irregularities such as discoloration, changes in their teeth, or early signs that cavities may be forming.
The program teaches students about the soft tissues inside the mouth, including the role of the uvula, healthy gums, and how taste buds function as part of the oral system. Students learn to advocate for themselves if they believe something is wrong and understand that visiting a dentist twice each year for cleanings and checkups is vital for prevention.
Through engaging lessons and leadership opportunities, students become Molar Mentors. These young leaders gain the knowledge and confidence to protect their smiles and share what they have learned with their families and communities.
Lisa’s mission is deeply personal. She does not want any child to experience the preventable loss she endured simply because they were never taught how to care for their teeth.
Through The Molar Movement, Lisa Wills is transforming personal adversity into a movement focused on prevention, dignity, education, and advocacy so children everywhere have the knowledge and confidence to protect their smiles for life.