Here's the backstory…
This was a joint effort.
Practitioners from AV Orthodontics were one half of the team.
A hygienist from The Smile Team (pediatric dentistry) was the other.
The team wanted to discuss which foods are good for our teeth and which are not. Teaching the children about oral hygiene and what visits to a dentist and an orthodontist look like and also teaching them what an orthodontist does and why it is also very important for the overall health of your teeth and function.
The audience that day were kids aged 5-8, which is when AV Orthodontics recommends visiting an orthodontist for a first evaluation.
The team spoke to Kindergarten, Grade 2, and Grade 3.
Only 1 teacher and 1 classroom for all three grades.
The team started by introducing themselves and explaining what they do in their offices.
AV Orthodontics explained what a healthy bite is and why it's so important. The practitioners also told the students that they put braces and appliances on teeth.
The hygienist explained to the students that she cleans teeth and looks for sugar bugs, and then teaches the children how to brush and floss their teeth properly.
Then, it was question time to get the kids talking. The team asked things such as
The team showed examples of how much sugar is in drinks such as apple juice, chocolate milk, etc., and why water is the healthiest drink.
They talked about good foods that help clean the teeth while we eat them, such as apples.
The students saw actual braces and learned how to clean around them and other orthodontic appliances.
Plastic models of teeth were handed out, giving the students a chance to play orthodontist. The team guided them, asking: "Can you tell me what you see and what should we do?"
Each student got a swag bag with all the info in it, toothbrushes, etc. Needless to say, that was a big hit!
AV Orthodontics finds that students always love these visits. The kids have so much to share with the team about their personal experiences or those of someone they know.
