CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, JAPAN -- Sailors from the Naval dental clinics of 3rd Dental Battalion visited students from Kinser Elementary School to give a presentation about oral health awareness Feb. 5, 2019 at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan.
Navy Cmdr. Monserret Jorden, a pediatric dentist with Branch Dental Clinic Evans, 3rd Dental Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, stated that the battalion is a strong supporter of the efforts of the American Dental Association, which began National Children’s Dental Health Month in 1941 in the United States.
“February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, which brings awareness to everyone who is a caregiver, teacher or parent about the importance of starting good habits for good oral health in children,” Jorden stated.
The dental staff is visiting several Department of Defense schools in Okinawa during the month of February, giving presentations and playing games while including student participation. Activities included an educational PowerPoint presentation on oral hygiene, as well as dental model presentations to demonstrate how to properly brush and floss teeth and a dance competition.
Jorden said the presentation taught students the main uses of teeth as well as the long-term importance of taking care of your permanent teeth.
“We stress how super critical it is to take care of your permanent teeth because you don’t get replacements,” said Jorden. “We also taught the students good habits including brushing, flossing and trying to avoid certain foods that cause cavities.”
At the end of the presentation, Jorden and the rest of the dental staff saw the gleeful response of their student participants and determined the day was a success.
“I think it was amazing,” said Jorden. “I think it was a lot of fun; the kids were really genuine with their responses. Every class was very involved and in good spirits. I think that the presentation was successful and I am happy with how it turned out.”