UTSD Students Promote Oral Health

Dental hygiene students from The University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston provided oral health and hygiene lessons at two community health fairs in January.

At the “Be Fit For Life” Expo at Houston Baptist University on Jan. 26, local middle- and high-school youth were encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyles. Nine dental hygiene students were on hand to give oral hygiene instructions. As part of the learning exercise, participants completed a crossword puzzle filled with fun facts about dental hygiene. The puzzle was created by UTSD students.

“Our students were able to teach in small groups and provide immediate feedback to participants,” said Clinical Assistant Professor Victoria Patrounova, RDH, MHA. “They also served as a great example of health-care professionals to school-aged children.”

That same day, another group of dental hygiene students participated in a health fair at the Fifth Ward Church of Christ in Houston. Working in small groups, they provided instructions on correct brushing and flossing techniques to about 100 people at the fair. The students also stressed the importance of preventive dental care and developing healthy oral habits. In addition, they distributed patient information about the School of Dentistry, as well as toothbrushes and toothpaste.

“We were very grateful to be a part of this community service event,” said Fouzia Mohammad, a second-year dental hygiene student. “We all learned new things that we can apply as we see more patients.”

Throughout February, UTSD students are participating in more community events to raise oral health awareness as part of National Children’s Dental Health Month.

UT School of Dentistry is part of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth).