Alongside the Pre-Dental Society, I created programming called "Tiny Smiles, Big Lessons" at a local elementary school (Dunbar Elementary School). Through this programming, we taught elementary schoolers about the importance of oral healthcare and hosted a drive and packed oral hygiene products including mouthwash, toothpaste, and floss. This volunteering initiative was so important to me because many children do not have access to the necessary oral hygiene products to live healthy lives. Many parents have to sacrifice their children having health teeth because of how expensive it is to live, rightfully prioritizing meals and gas over needed dental cleanings. By going into a school and educating children about the importance of brushing twice a day and flossing, we contributed to their overall wellbeing and made them excited to care about the health of their teeth. I am interested in practicing as a dentist in the future and strongly considering working with children. This experience gave me a glimpse into working with children and how to communicate with them, meet them where they are, and explain oral are in rudimentary terms. Moments such as these continue to fuel my passion for oral healthcare and influence me to continue working to ensure equitable healthcare is accessible to all.
by,
Lindsey Sanders
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