On Tuesday, March 18, students from the College of Western Idaho (CWI) Dental Assisting program participated in a Lessons in a Lunch Box presentation at Heights Elementary School in Middleton to promote oral health literacy. Five CWI students, along with one instructor, were on-hand to demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques to the children.
Lessons in a Lunch Box: Healthy Teeth Essentials & Facts about Snacks is designed to empower children and their families with knowledge about routine dental care, oral health maintenance, and good dietary choices using a “dentally designed” lunch box. The lunch box contains a My Plate, a USDA nutritional diagram, along with instructions on how to brush and floss. The lunch box also provides children with their very own “Dental Care in a Carrot” case that includes a carrot-shaped toothbrush case, toothpaste, dental floss, and a rinse cup.
Dr. Maria Martinez, from Middleton Dental, organized the event and presented information to the children about healthy snacks and brushing and flossing. The event provided 180 lunch boxes for the children.
“This was a great event for our program to participate in,” says CWI Dental Assisting Program Chair and Assistant Professor, Elaine Laursen. “The children were very excited to receive a lunch box. Some children commented they don’t have dental floss at home. My hope is that those children go home and tell mom and dad about the importance of flossing and that dental floss becomes a regular staple in the home.”
Laursen also says she would like to thank Dr. Martinez for providing this tremendous opportunity, giving CWI students the chance to serve the community with the skills and knowledge they have developing in the Dental Assisting program.