Meet The CCGA Cavity Fighters
Authors: Allison Benson, Lauren Caldwell, Ebony English, Jennifer Johnson, Kendall Meek, Kristi Rowe, Leanna Thrift and Amanda Zanella
Faculty Supervisior: Beverly Rowe RN, MSN, CNE
Community Partner: FACES Prekindergarten Center
Abstract:
Our Service-Learning Group was assigned the task of educating early-learners regarding the importance of dental hygiene. We provided visual aids that included a symposium-style poster, a video presentation, and an educational handbook from Americastoothfairy.org. The poster is utilized to promote the importance of good dental hygiene within our younger population, complications of poor dental hygiene, as well as available resources that can be utilized to obtain this goal. The video presentation was specifically targeted towards early learners which displayed step-by-step instructions on the proper way to brush and floss their teeth. Our group utilized ice cube trays to represent teeth and pipe cleaners to mimic tooth floss. Additionally, the popular kids’ song; Baby Shark, was used to help encourage kids to brush their teeth for 2 minutes (the length of the song). The educational handbook provides an interactive opportunity for children to identify healthy foods, brushing and flossing tips, and a tooth brushing incentive tracker. This handbook will be distributed as part of a “goody-bag” that additionally encompasses a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, stickers, crayons, a tooth keeper, and soft dental-inspired toys.
