Den-Test Kit

The Den-Test Kit is a dental hygiene bacteria experiment that helps students explore the importance of oral care through hands-on microbiology. By growing bacteria collected from their own mouths, students can visually compare how brushing and mouthwash affect bacterial growth. This engaging investigation supports real-world STEM learning while helping students connect health science concepts to everyday habits.

Explore the Science of Oral Hygiene

This activity allows students to examine how dental hygiene practices influence bacteria levels in the mouth. Students swab the inside of their mouths before brushing, after brushing, and after brushing with mouthwash. The samples are transferred to petri dishes containing nutrient agar, where bacterial cultures grow over several days.

Investigate Bacterial Growth Through Hands-On Microbiology

After five to six days of incubation, students observe and compare bacterial growth across the different samples. This process helps learners practice scientific observation, data comparison, and evidence-based conclusions about the effectiveness of hygiene methods. Students also gain experience with sterile technique, an important skill used in laboratory science and healthcare.

Connect Classroom Science to Health Careers

The Den-Test Kit helps students explore careers connected to health science and laboratory research. This investigation introduces career pathways such as dentistry, dental hygiene, microbiology, laboratory science, and public health. Students see how microbiology plays a role in disease prevention and healthcare.

Built for Inquiry-Based STEM Learning

This classroom investigation encourages students to design comparisons, observe bacterial colonies, and analyze real biological samples. Optional instructions for building a simple incubator box allow teachers to extend the investigation while supporting deeper exploration of microbial growth conditions.

Kit includes materials needed to grow bacterial cultures and conduct the experiment. Accommodates 24 students. Recommended for Upper Elementary and Middle School.

Standards: Aligns with NGSS.

CHOKING HAZARD (1). Not for under 3 yrs.

Benefits for STEM Learning

• Demonstrates bacterial growth through a real microbiology investigation
• Helps students understand the importance of oral hygiene through evidence
• Builds laboratory skills such as sterile technique and sample handling
• Promotes inquiry-based learning and scientific observation skills
• Connects biology concepts to careers in dentistry, microbiology, and healthcare
• Supports hands-on STEM learning through real biological experimentation

Bring real microbiology into your classroom and help students discover the science behind healthy habits.

Kit includes:

• Manual, 1 Ea
• Petri Dishes, 25 Ea
• Nutrient Agar (15 g), 1 Ea
• Mouthwash, 1 Ea
• MSDS, 1 Ea
• Sterile Swabs, 24 Ea
• Cups, 12 Ea

Materials needed, not included:

• Marker or Grease Pencil, 1 Ea
• Hot Plate, 1 Ea
• Masking Tape, 1 Ea
• Pan, 1 Ea
• Incubator, 1 Ea
• Autoclave or Bleach and Oven Cooking Bag, 1 Ea
• Saltwater (Mouth Rinse), 1 Ea
• Students' Toothbrushes from Home, 1 Ea
• Plastic Cups / Beakers (if no sinks), 1 Ea

Extension project materials not included:

• Dental Floss, 1 Ea
• Additional Mouthwashes, 1 Ea
• Toothbrushes (Brushing Only), 1 Ea
• Caramels (Eat 20 Minutes Prior to Testing), 1 Ea
• Dental Chewing Gums, 1 Ea
• Saltwater, 1 Ea
• Toothbrushes and Toothpaste (Brushing with Toothpaste), 1 Ea