Field Trip to GSDM!

A group of 61 second graders from Orchard Gardens K-8 Pilot School in Roxbury learned about oral health and oral healthcare by student, faculty, and staff volunteers during an annual field trip to GSDM.

Coordinated by GSDM’s chapter of the Student National Dental Association (SNDA) and the Office of Global and Population Health—and staffed by dozens of faculty, student and staff volunteers—the GSDM field trip allowed Orchard Gardens’ students to learn about oral health education through interactive games and activities and hands on learning in GSDM’s Simulation Learning Center (SLC).

“The field trip to GSDM went very well,” said Ms. Kathy Lituri, Oral Health Promotion Director. “I really would like to thank all of the volunteers—staff, faculty, and students—who helped make this event such a success once again.”

The field trip started at 9 a.m. at 670 Albany Street. Dean Hutter greeted and welcomed the students, shared with them that he is the principal of the School, inquired as to the interest of the students in becoming dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants, and wished a very enjoyable day.  He also thanked the students and their teachers for taking time to learn about best practices for great oral health and the faculty, staff and students for their participation

At 670 Albany Street the students played games with the GSDM volunteers. The children and the volunteers were assigned to groups named after teeth: the incisors, the cuspids, and the molars.

The presenters—Dr. Ana Keohane AS 16 and Ms. Paula Pina, School Based Program Coordinator—talked about different types of teeth and their functions, and about the importance of healthy teeth for eating, talking, and smiling.

The presentation focused on healthy eating for healthy teeth and bodies. The children also played the Go, Slow, Whoa nutrition game.  Before leaving for the SLC, they were given a healthy snack of low-fat, low-sugar Greek yogurt, a banana, and water.

Next, the students headed to the Simulation Learning Center (SLC) to take part in more activities and to learn more about keeping teeth clean as well as what it is like to be a dental student.

The presenters were Jobren Dingle DMD 17, Muntaha Hasan DMD 19, and Swati Agnihotri DMD 17.

After learning about the SLC and how it is useful for dental students, the students took part in several activities while at their seats in the SLC:

1. A child from each group put their hand in a different color of glitter (germs) and then shook their hands to see how, even after shaking, germs can linger.
2. The children simulated washing their hands for two minutes while singing a handwashing song to the tune of Row, Row, Row Your Boat.
3. They made an impression of their thumb, then stone was mixed and poured into the thumb impression to make a model of their thumb.
4. Each elementary schooler learned how to prevent cavities and brush and floss properly, as well as what healthy foods they can eat to prevent cavities.
5. Finally, each child was given a sealed walnut and a non-sealed walnut, and they put each one into a bag of junk food (chips and soda mixed). They then removed the walnuts and used a toothbrush to remove the food, finding that the food slides right off of the sealed walnut.

“Since entering GSDM, I have been involved with Orchard Gardens Field Trip day and it’s the most fun, rewarding event that I have the pleasure of participating in,” said Jobren Dingle DMD 17. “This was one of the biggest groups yet with over 60 second graders, and it’s so great to see these young kids get inspired to pursue higher education, and even a career in dentistry!”

After a group photo on the steps of 100 East Newton Street, the elementary schoolers headed to the Talbot Green for a pizza lunch, at which time Dean Hutter talked with the children.

“The students who visited GSDM received a fantastic education in basic dental hygiene and oral health,” said Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter. “I would like to thank the members of the GSDM community who volunteered to help provide these children with a very memorable and educational experience.”

Photos from the field trip to GSDM can be found on Facebook and Flickr.