Matthew Martinez, a second grader at Bliss Elementary School, demonstrates proper brushing techniques to his fellow students and Domonic DeGiulio, dental readiness officer, and Capt. (Dr.) Jeffrey Clark, general dentist, both from U.S. Army Dental Activity, during Children’s Dental Health Month activities held at the school. Photo by Julia Yubeta.
WBAMC supports Children’s Dental Health Month
Julia Yubeta, WBAMC Public Affairs
As part of Children’s Dental Health Month, dental professionals from U.S. Army Dental Activity at William Beaumont Army Medical Center provided educational presentations to several El Paso Independent School District elementary schools.
The presentations were modified as age-appropriate for students from grades kindergarten through fifth.
Capt. (Dr.) Jeffrey Clark, general dentist, and Domonic De Giulio, dental readiness officer, DENTAC, educated the children about good nutrition, proper brushing techniques and why brushing their teeth twice a day, along with flossing even their baby teeth, is important to take care of their teeth.
Videos supplied by the American Dental Association were played for the students. The videos taught the importance of seeing a dentist twice a year. The students learned good oral health is not magic, but instead requires good habits – they are partners with the dentist in taking care of their teeth.
The videos also explained what happens during a dental visit, and why sealants might be a good choice to protect children’s teeth from the germs that cause tooth decay. They also learned how fluoride in toothpaste strengthens teeth and prevents decay.
Following the videos, the students were given the opportunity to ask questions. They inquired about bleeding gums, braces and retainers, wisdom teeth, loose baby teeth and what to do if one of their teeth is knocked out. For their questions, they were given fruit-flavored fluoride toothpaste as a reward.
“I think the students learned quite a bit about taking care their teeth and oral hygiene,” said Mark Mena, physical education teacher at Bliss Elementary School. “They asked a lot of questions and received instruction from dental professionals who made a definite impact.”
“This was fun,” said Stephen Smith, a fourth grader at Bliss Elementary School. “I wondered what wisdom teeth were and now I have the answer. We must see a dentist regularly because they help us to keep our teeth healthy.”
Students from the fourth and fifth grades were also instructed on the potential dangers resulting from tongue piercing. A poster designed by DeGiulio graphically showed the complications that may result from tongue piercing, including infections, nerve damage, HIV, hepatitis, tetanus and other communicable diseases.
“Seeing those pictures about what can happen if I got my tongue pierced scared me,” said Sarah Lund, a fourth grader at Bliss Elementary School. “There is no way I would do something like that after seeing those pictures on that poster.”
Each student was given a bag containing a toothbrush and dental floss to assist them in putting into practice what they had learned about good oral hygiene.
Tom O’Hara, principal at Bliss Elementary School, thanked De Giulio and Clark for coming to his school to instruct the students.
“I am thankful for community support in educating our students,” said O’Hara. “Many of our students are children of active-duty military. The saying ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ is so true. We recognize and are grateful for the support Fort Bliss and William Beaumont provide to this school.”