GSDM Offers “Passport to Dental Health”

On Thursday, August 15, 2013, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine’s (GSDM) Division of Community Health Programs (CHP), American Association of Women Dentists chapter (AAWD), and additional volunteers participated in the Childworks Program at Rosie’s Place. Rosie’s Place is a shelter for homeless, displaced, and battered women.

Oral Health Promotion Director Kathy Lituri and the student volunteers set up six stations for about 27 children and their guardians to visit and earn their “passport” to dental health. The kids learned about: brushing/flossing/plaque; the harmfulness of tobacco; tooth protectors (sealants, mouth guards, fluoride, and xylitol); visiting the dentist; the importance of teeth (smile, eat, and talk); and healthy food for healthy teeth. The children also enjoyed an arts and crafts table.

“The students were great at engaging the children,” said Kathy Lituri. “It was a really valuable learning experience for them as well.”

Volunteers included: Lucy Dang DMD 17, Sameet Gill DMD 14, Marissa Kobewka DMD 15, Jimmy (Lok Ching) Li DMD 17, Omosede Osagiede DMD 15, Neelam Shah DMD 14, Isha Suri DMD 15, and Lihsin Wu DMD 17.

Photos are available on Facebook and Flickr.