Students brush up on oral health skills

As part of learning proper oral health skills, students under the direction of their mentors in the Health Occupations I class had the opportunity to dress as oral health professionals and provide oral care on dental models. Submitted Photo

SIKESTON - During a time when treats abound, some Sikeston students got lessons in oral health care.

Gloria Houston's health occupations I class at the Sikeston Career and Technology Center earlier this year brought Halloween baskets to the children in their SkillsUSA Operation Hope Mentor Program.

"We knew the kids would be eating a lot of candy so we wanted to educate them on how to properly take care of their teeth before leaving," said health occupations I student Ashley McPherson. "We provided a hands-on lesson in oral health."

The health occupations students went through stations with the children and showed them how to properly clean their teeth. They also got to see what teeth look like when they're not properly brushed.

The children were allowed to dress as oral health professionals and provide oral care on dental models whose teeth were painted with sugar water. The younger students had to use the dental equipment and try and remove all the sugar.

Children were also given a timer to help them brush their teeth the right amount of time. "Working with these kids has been a great privilege, and we look forward to doing many more activities with them," McPherson said.