Loma Linda University School of Dentistry proudly participated in the 41st Annual Loma Linda University Health Children's Day, an event designed to help children overcome their fears of medical and dental offices through engaging and fun activities. With 1200 children in attendance, the day was filled with joy and laughter.
At the School of Dentistry booth, Dental Hygiene, DDS, and Advanced Dental Education Program students, along with Veterans Affairs Dental Residents, led interactive sessions. Children donned gloves, gowns, and masks and used props to take "x-rays" of stuffed animal patients before performing a dental exam. They also 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 animals' 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, helping to demystify the dental environment and make it more familiar and less intimidating.
By making dental care fun and educational, LLUSD continues to foster a generation of children who are less fearful of dental visits and more proactive about their oral health.