Volunteers Reach Out to Lawrence Families

Members of the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) Division of Community Health Programs (CHP) partnered with the The Greater Lawrence Community Action Council Inc. (GLCAC, Inc.) and the Lawrence Oral Health Initiative to put on an event for families at the GLCAC, Inc. Child Care Center on October 21.

The purpose of the event was to provide oral health education to parents. The volunteers staffed eight tables—each focusing on a different oral health topic—including: the importance of baby teeth, cavities, early childhood caries, brushing, healthy eating, visiting the dentist, fluoride, and information about upcoming dental screenings and fluoride varnish available at GLCAC, Inc. Children in attendance received coloring sheets and crayons, parents received information, and everyone went home with complimentary toothbrushes and toothpaste. Seventy-six families, comprised of 150 people total, attended.

Volunteers included Clinical Instructor Corinna Culler, Clinical Instructor Dr. Oscar Ortiz-Urrego, Clinical Instructor Dr. Martin Ugarte, Program Coordinator Onolee Bock, Assistant Director of Extramural Programs Kathy Held, Oral Health Educator Krissie Gibbs, and Courtney Brady DMD 11—who reprised her role as Captain Cavity Fighter. The volunteers were also joined by seven dental assisting students and one faculty member from Northern Essex Community College.

"It is important for dentistry to go beyond the dental office" said Dr. Ortiz-Urrego. "Events like this one allow us to interact with parents, children, and teachers to improve their knowledge of prevention and encourage them to seek routine dental care. It is especially important for parents of young children to get these messages early." Dr. Ortiz-Urrego continued, "Interacting with young children in their own environment makes their introduction to dentistry fun and stress free."

This outreach event was part of a larger CHP effort in Lawrence. Through the Lawrence Sealant Program, coordinated by Dr. Ortiz-Urrego, dental screenings, sealants, and fluoride varnish are available to second and third grade students in all 10 Lawrence elementary schools.

"The outreach effort in Lawrence, both at the recent Family Night and overall through the Lawrence Sealant Program, is a wonderful example of the role GSDM plays in our local communities," said Dean Jeffrey Hutter. "Members of the Lawrence Sealant Program should be especially proud of their efforts after increasing the scope of the Program from four to 10 elementary schools in the last year."

Photos from the outreach event are available on the GSDM flickr account.