Dental technician educates children about oral hygiene

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Clinton Atkins
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  97th Medical Group dental technicians interacted and educated young children, Feb. 14, at the base library about the importance of oral health. The event was part of Altus AFB's annual National Children's Dental Health Month event to raise awareness in children.

The children were read a book about visiting a dentist, shown how to brush teeth, using a stuffed animal as a prop and received small bag with child dental care products.

"It's important for children to learn how to take care of their teeth at a young age," said Staff Sgt. Rowena Ennis, 97 MDG dental technician. "They'll also be less likely to be afraid of the dentist if they learn good dental habits early in life."

Sergeant Ennis also said oral health awareness doesn't just happen once a year.

"It's important that parents help their children with their daily oral hygiene practices, " she said. "In addition to dental health month activities, we try to outreach to children through a variety of venues once a month or so."

The dental team visits youth both on and off base. Sergeant Ennis said they have made presentations to children at the Youth Center, the Child Development Center, various scouting groups and the Grace Day Care Center in Altus.

The educational outreach is not solely limited to children -- oral health topics are also presented to expectant parents at the "Bundles for Babies" classes, as well as various squadrons during their monthly commander's call.

"It feels good to know that what we are doing is making a difference," Sergeant Ellis said.