| Kidz learn dental hygiene Dental assisting students teach students at the Early Childhood Center about dental care. |
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| Kidz learn dental hygiene Dental assisting students teach students at the Early Childhood Center about dental care. |
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Young children are fascinated with the changes that take place in their bodies as they grow and develop – an interest that was apparent in a recent project on teeth that evolved at the Early Childhood Center.
Teacher/Director Ellen Bejster and Lead Teacher Marilyn Worsley noticed the children had not been drinking their milk, and their concern about that led them to discuss and explore dental hygiene with the children.
The teachers helped the children record a web showing the things they already knew about dental hygiene and to compile a list of questions. On the children’s list:
"What in tooth paste stops cavities?"
"What do you call a dentist’s nurse?"
"Why should we go to the dentist?"
"Why do we brush our teeth?"
Students in the dental assisting program were invited to visit the children and they provide the answers.
Bejster said the dental assisting students were great.
"They (dental assisting students) answered questions on their (children’s) level. They were in tune to the younger child."
Sallee Beneke, assistant to instruction, said the children’s positive response to the visit was reflected in the comments they dictated in a thank you note to the dental assisting students.
Emmy Worsley said, "That was very nice of you to bring us new toothbrushes and little toys. Also, I liked the movie of dinosaurs that brush their teeth."
Mia Gumuski said, "Thank you for bringing us all of the stuff and please come again."
Many learning experiences grew out of the visit, Beneke said. The children decided to replace their insect museum in the class project area with a dentist’s office. They used clay to make models of teeth and gums.
Worsley brought in a dog toothbrush and toothpaste which led to discussion about the difference in the shape of animal teeth. Beneke said the children noticed how the shape of the tooth related to the kind of food the animal eats.
Currently, Beneke said, the children are busy learning more about the kinds of foods different animals eat and how they live.
1/28/99 the Apache
