The dental hygienist held a polishing tool toward the 5-year-old girl laying back in the dentist chair. It’s her special toothbrush she uses to clean teeth, Amelia Longbons told the girl.
She invited Anastasia Johnston to touch the dental instrument, and the girl felt the flexible end.
“OK, open up, and show me how good an alligator can open,” Longbons said. Soon the toothbrush whirred and scrubbed her teeth.
Anastasia was one of about 100 children at Saturday’s Give Kids A Smile event at the Community Health Centers of Central Wyoming.
The annual event provides free dental care to children in need, CHCCW development director Kodi Merschat said.
“We’ll get them as much work as we can,” she said. “The number one goal of the event is to make sure they are assigned to a dental home so they can continue their treatment and care.”
That could be through a dentist in the community or center, where those who are underinsured can receive help, Merschat added.
The volunteers Saturday included eight dentists, 12 hygienists and 16 dental assistants. They worked all day performing as many X-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions and restorations as they could.
The event also aims to build positive associations and ease fear about dentists, Merschat said. Children played bean bag toss, horseshoes, colored, had their faces painted and visited sponsor and volunteer booths with their families as they waited for appointments.
The purpose is “helping children get the dental care they so desperately need and raising awareness that our children deserve a better health care system that addresses their dental health,” the release said.
Anastasia and her six brothers, ages 5 to 14, received examinations, cleanings, a few cavity treatments and had follow-up care arranged. They also left sporting new drawstring backpacks containing toothbrushes, floss and toothpaste.
After Anastasia’s cleaning, the hygienist handed her a mirror and the “special toothbrush” to practice brushing her teeth.
Get all the way to the gums to get rid of “sugar bugs” that can cause cavities, Longbons instructed.
Anastasia promised to brush her teeth like that every morning and night.
“You’re a rock star,” Longbons said as she hopped out of the chair.
The girl grinned back, flashing her clean teeth.
Source: Trib
