Students, residents, and faculty provide dental education, screenings, support in Connecticut and beyond
Faculty, residents, and students provided dental education outreach at Reggio Magnet School of the Arts in Avon. (Dr. Katherine Fleming photo)
The pediatric dentistry department at the UConn School of Dental Medicine recently organized several Children's Dental Health Month outreach activities and an advocacy trip to Washington, DC.
In February, in honor of Children's Dental Health Month, faculty, residents and students -organized by assistant professor Dr. Katherine Fleming-provided dental outreach education to 507 students, grades PK3-5 at the CREC Reggio Magnet School of the Arts in Avon.
"The elementary outreach event at Reggio was a wonderful opportunity that promoted the importance of oral hygiene to children during National Children's Dental Health Month," said student facilitator Madison Witt.
"Activities such as reading books regarding oral health, demonstrating proper brushing and flossing techniques, and leading interactive games focused on nutrition allowed dental students to educate children about cavity prevention," Witt continued. "As dental caries remains the most common chronic disease in children, initiatives like this play an important role in early prevention and education. Participating in this event was not only a rewarding experience but allowed me to feel that I contributed to promoting healthy habits at an early age."
The student chapter of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (SCAAPD) at UConn also was actively engaged this February in celebration of National Children's Dental Health Month. To kick off the celebration, members spent the first Monday of the month wearing their brightest scrubs in honor of the awareness month. The chapter also launched a video series, Tooth Fairy Talks, featuring dental students, pediatric dental residents, and faculty answering key questions about children's oral health to help raise awareness throughout the month.
On Valentine's Day, SCAAPD members spent the day at the Brooker Memorial Community Health Clinic, where they provided pediatric oral screenings and sealants to support the oral health of the community's children. The group also hosted a "Spreading Smiles" table outside of the Dental Care Center, offering interactive tooth trivia for children and providing educational materials for parents on topics such as the recommended age for a child's first dental visit, the importance of early fluoride exposure, and limiting juice intake.
Early this March, Dr. Bina Katechia, chair of the department of pediatric dentistry, led four second-year pediatric dental residents attended the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) Pediatric Oral Health Advocacy Conference (POHAC) in Washington to participate in congressional visits with staff from the offices of Connecticut's representatives and senators.
During these meetings, they advocated for current issues impacting pediatric dentistry and sought support for key pediatric oral health priorities.
The experience proved deeply meaningful for the residents, who shared their personal reflections on how the conference influenced their perspectives and future roles as pediatric oral health advocates.
"I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to advocate for pediatric oral health in Washington, DC," said Dr. Anushka Parakh. "It plays such a crucial role in strengthening access to care and supporting the healthcare workforce. As a budding pediatric dentist, this experience helped me better understand the policies that shape our field and the responsibility we have to speak up. It's inspiring to know that these efforts can help create a stronger, healthier future for the generations of children we will serve."
"POHAC was a great opportunity to advocate for our patients and our profession beyond the clinic walls," said Dr. Lena Syed. "It served as an important reminder that even as residents, we have the ability to facilitate systemic change through an upstream approach."
"Participating in advocacy gives us the opportunity to speak up for the communities we serve," said Dr. Kaitlyn Solano. "It allows us to share clinical experiences and bring awareness to the challenges many children face in accessing dental care. The relationships that are built with legislators who continue to support our efforts reinforces that our voices matter."
Dr. Jane Conway said, "POHAC was an incredibly motivating experience- it highlighted the importance of advocating for policies that expand access to quality oral health care for all children. Engaging with other residents, mentors and policymakers showed me that our collective voices can truly influence policy decisions that affect our patient's health and well being."
