Students give lessons on brushing, flossing
by Sharon Crossley, RDH, MPHCollege of Dental Medicine
Third graders at Ronald McNair Elementary in North Charleston already know their teeth can get “yucky” if they aren’t brushed.
Wynton
Lafayette, left, a student from Toole Military Magnet, holds open a mouth
for James H. Thomas III, second-year dental student.
Students from the MUSC College of Dental Medicine were there Feb. 17 to show them how to brush and floss properly.
They used oversized toothbrushes and whale, fish and lion puppets with big teeth to demonstrate and practice brushing and flossing techniques. And they talked about what teeth are used for, how important they are for eating, talking, smiling and singing.
They learned the two-two message: “Brush two times a day for two minutes” from College of Dental Medicine student Raushonda Gadson. And first-year student Michelle Francisco read kindergartners a book about losing baby teeth. When quizzed, they all got an A. She encouraged them to visit a dentist every six months, especially if they have never been before.
Older students learned the anatomy of the mouth and teeth along with the basics of oral hygiene, nutrition and the role food plays in the strength of teeth.
Each child received a toothbrush, toothpaste and numbers for MUSC dentists, if they are not seeing a private dentist.
The coordinator’s position and materials for these school outreach programs are funded by the MUSC Healthy South Carolina Initiative entitled, “College of Dental Medicine Outreach to the Underserved: Creation and Evaluation of Community Academic Partnerships.”
Other schools visited by the College of Dental Medicine students were Devon Forest Elementary in Berkeley County, and E.B. Ellington Elementary, school parents at Fraser Elementary, Hunley Park Elementary, Stiles Point Elementary and Toole Military Magnet School all in Charleston County.