- Colgate Van– During the summer of 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to work with Colgate Van, providing oral health screenings and education to children in the community. As part of this outreach, we conducted oral screenings, offered personalized oral hygiene instructions, and taught kids the proper techniques for brushing their teeth. We also emphasized the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and how it impacts their overall health. It was a rewarding experience to engage with young minds, helping them build healthy habits that will benefit them for a lifetime.
2. Middle School presentation/ OH Education
As part of our public health class, I had the opportunity to visit a local middle school to present the important link between oral health and nutrition. During the session, we discussed the types of foods that are beneficial for oral health versus those that can contribute to dental problems. We also demonstrated proper brushing techniques and explained how cavities form, emphasizing the role of nutrition in maintaining a healthy smile. The students were very engaged, and we took time to answer any questions they had, ensuring they walked away with a better understanding of how their diet impacts their oral health and overall well-being.
Screening and Varnish application at Shore Parkway Head Start.
We had the wonderful opportunity to visit Shore Parkway Head Start to provide oral hygiene education and instructions to a group of enthusiastic young learners.
The children were incredibly excited and engaged as we introduced them to fun, educational videos on healthy eating habits, proper tooth-brushing techniques, and cavity prevention. We also took time to speak with them about the importance of teeth—not only for chewing food, but also for clear speech and overall appearance. It was amazing to see how quickly they adapted to the lesson and how eager they were to learn and participate.
Their excitement continued to grow as they practiced brushing techniques on our typodont models, showing off what they had learned with great enthusiasm. Following a fun and interactive Q&A session, we handed out goodie bags filled with dental supplies to help reinforce healthy habits at home.
In addition to the educational portion, we also conducted dental screenings and applied topical fluoride to the children’s teeth. Being able to offer these preventive services—at no cost to families who might otherwise face financial barriers—was incredibly rewarding. It brought us great personal satisfaction to contribute to the health and well-being of these children and their families.
