Competency and Service Learning

There is only one week left in the semester, and I have only one competency to complete. The competency is the adult prophy, and I hope I will finish this competency in time. Factors that may affect my completion include: if the patient qualify's, I only have 1 clinic session left, I am in oral surgery rotation, and I only get one shot at this. I am very nervous, and I do not want to receive an incomplete grade for this course just to receive a letter grade of a C next semester.

Last week, I participated in a service learning project at Ginter Park Elementary school off of Chamberlayne ave. I was able to demonstrate the effects that sugar has on the enamel. I used a styro foam cup as the model of the tooth, and then proceeded to place maple syrup on the cup for show that this was plaque stuck on the enamel. Afterward, I placed sprinkles on the syrup to show foods that we eat. Then proceeded to place acetone on the cup to show the affect that takes place when you don't brush your teeth. This visual showed the cup dissolving, and the kids loved it. We then began the process to talk about nutrition and healthy foods. We had cards that had food on them and asked the children what was a good food and a bad food. They where knowledgeable and many of their answers where correct. We then proceeded to show the kids proper brushing and flossing techniques. At the end of the visit, we gave the kids all toothbrushes. This week the teacher contacted me telling me that the kids are still talking about the presentation til this day, and during lunch they were talking about which foods where healthy. I am glad that the presentation was able to make an impact on this kids, and I hope that I will be able to go to more schools. The exposure allows the kids to receive some type of education and may prevent what I experienced in pedo "rampant caries".