Public Health Head Start Project — Smile Savers

For this community outreach project, my group and I traveled to Brooklyn Prospect School to educate 7th graders on oral homecare, nutritional counseling, the importance of using mouthguard, and the consequences of vaping on the oral cavity and systemic health. Students were evaluated based on an interactive questionnaire on Kahoot. They also participated in removing biofilm from laminated teeth. The positive results from post- surveys demonstrated the students’ efforts in learning more about the oral cavity.

Give Kids A Smile

In April 2024, NYCCT Dental Hygiene had an interactive opportunity for young students to be treated at our dental hygiene clinic for preventative services. I had the greatest experience treating a 12 year old student with prophylaxis services and sealants. Not only did I accomplish my role as a professional provider, but also developed my skills as a prospective dental hygienist. My patient was enthusiastic, motivated, and eager to learn about proper oral homecare, which made my work feel more rewarding.

Horan School

In November 2023, some of my classmates and I traveled to the Horan School in East Harlem to provide nutritional counseling and proper oral hygiene to special needs students. My group and I created a presentation and interactive activities on how to correctly use a toothbrush to effectively remove plaque. Each student had a laminated paper with dry-erasable plaque and an improvised toothbrush to demonstrate what they had learned.