The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Dental Assisting and Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) programs participated in a great outreach event, last Friday (Nov. 1), visiting Summerwind STEM Academy in Boise to speak with first through fifth grade children. The elementary school hosted the programs to help create awareness of healthcare careers, connect STEM studies to exciting career opportunities, and promote positive attitudes about work.
Five Dental Assisting students were joined by Adjunct Faculty, Wendy Smith, and PTA Director of Clinical Education/Instruction, Leah Wilsey. The CWI students taught the children proper brushing and flossing techniques. They also brought sugar samples to show how much sugar exists in various foods.
Wilsey educated the children on what a PTA does and why. Her demonstration included explaining how patients with a broken bone can build strength to alleviate pain. She brought crutches for the kids and a measuring tool to show them how to measure improvement.
CWI is scheduled to visit Summerwind again in the spring, as part of the school’s Information Technology day.