HCC students celebrate Dental Health Month

Dental assisting students at Hagerstown Community College took a new approach to celebrating Dental Health Month when they invited more than 37 preschool-age children to HCC’s dental assisting lab for a unique, hands-on learning experience.

The event was designed to allow children from HCC’s Children’s Learning Center, an on-site facility that provides daycare for the children of employees and students, the opportunity to “become a real dentist.” Each child was teamed with a dental assisting student and taught how to brush teeth and floss, as well as how to suction and operate the air water tip syringe. The students practiced on artificial mannequin heads called “Dexters” under the supervision of dental assisting students. Through Benco’s sales representative, Steve Caler, each child also received a complimentary toothbrush and dental assisting students provided the children with coloring books that focused on tooth care.

“Dental education starts young,” says Theresa Marks, HCC instructor, dental assisting/hygiene. “It is our job to teach each child that taking care of your teeth and going to the dentist is not only important, but fun. After this event, we hope that each child is more comfortable with the dental atmosphere and understands the importance of brushing their teeth every day.”

For more information about HCC’s Dental Assisting Program, contact Theresa Marks at 301-790-2800, ext. 507, or via e-mail at tmmarks@hagerstowncc.edu.

Photo Caption: Five-year-old Alison Parks examines “Dexter’s” teeth under the supervision of HCC student Kim Kesner.