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Loma Linda University School of Dentistry proudly participated in the 40th Annual Children's Day, an event designed to help children overcome their fears of medical and dental offices through engaging and fun activities. With 1,100 children in attendance, the day was a resounding success and filled with joy and laughter.
The event featured a variety of activities, including a petting zoo that brought smiles to everyone's faces. At the School of Dentistry booth, dental hygiene students led interactive sessions where children donned gloves, gowns, and masks. They used props to take "x-rays" of stuffed animal patients. After completing the x-rays, the children learned about good dental hygiene practices and went home with a new toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.
At another station, dental students demonstrated a typical dental exam on stuffed animal patients. Children were encouraged to look into the animals' mouths with small mirrors, ensuring the stuffed animal's smiles were as healthy as possible.
One of the day's highlights was the introduction to the dental chair. Children had the opportunity to explore the mobile dental clinic and its various instruments. This hands-on experience helped demystify the dental environment, making it more familiar and less intimidating. Many children laughed and smiled as they explored, realizing there was nothing to fear.
By making dental care fun and educational, LLUSD fosters a generation of children who are less fearful of medical procedures and more proactive with their oral health. Here's to many more years of promoting healthy teeth and happy kids!