LASCO & JAMAICA DENTAL ASSOCIATION HOST HEALTH FAIR FOR STUDENTS IN OBSERVANCE OF ORAL HEALTH MONTH
CLEANING MY TEETH!
(2nd left) Dental Hygienist Curtis Foster cleans the teeth of Robin Smith of St. Jago Preparatory School. Observing the proceedings are (L-R) Dr. Alicia Bartley, Dentist and member of the Jamaica Dental Association; Renee Rose, Brand Representative, LASCO; Danielle Burke and Nego Fortella of Gwen Neil Basic School. They were participating in the Oral Health Fair hosted by LASCO and the Jamaica Dental Association at Emmanuel Apostolic Church, Portmore on October 5.
St. Catherine Students Receive Dental Attention
Kingston, Jamaica – October 5, 2011: Over 500 students from nine schools in St. Catherine were today hosted by LASCO and the Jamaica Dental Association at a Health Fair at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Portmore. The primary objective of the Fair, which was held in observance of Oral Health Month, was to provide oral examinations and treatment for students of primary school age in the parish of St. Catherine. This marks the second annual staging of the LASCO/JDA Health Fair.
Pointing out that schools were invited to take Grade 3 students to the event, Renee Rose, LASCO Brand Representative, explained that one of the aims of the Health Fair is to provide relevant information which the students could use in their school assignments. “We recognise that Grade 3 students have as part of their school curriculum, the anatomy and care of the teeth. Therefore, we at LASCO and the JDA would like to enhance your exploration of that topic. We want you to understand that the study of the teeth can be a very interesting and memorable adventure, and very relevant to your everyday life,” Mrs. Rose told Grade 3 students in an address during the Opening Ceremony.
The LASCO Brand Representative pointed out that oral health is integral and essential to good general health, and is a determinant for a good quality of life. She expressed concern that, unfortunately, oral diseases are still a major problem in Jamaica. Mrs. Rose appealed for citizens to be mindful that the presence of an oral problems or diseases is often an indicator of general ill health. “The only way we can build a better nation is if parents, teachers and neighbours encourage children to practice healthy lifestyles,” stated Mrs. Rose. “Let us create an environment in which our most vulnerable citizens – our children and elderly - will have easy access to oral health care in particular and satisfactory health care in general.” She reiterated that LASCO is committed to providing support in any way it can to the JDA and other health professionals, in building public awareness on acceptable healthcare.
Dr. Erica Gordon Veitch, President of the Jamaica Dental Association who addressed the students and teachers expressed the JDA’s appreciation for the overwhelmingly positive response of the schools to the Health Fair, as expressed in their enthusiastic participation in today’s event. She urged the students to always remember the importance of good oral health. “We JDA members are happy to volunteer our services in helping children to achieve and maintain good oral hygiene and health.” Dr. Gordon-Veitch emphasised that the LASCO/JDA Health Fair is an important component of the JDA’s community outreach programmes, which sees the Association increasing awareness islandwide on the fact that by the age of one, children need to receive oral examinations, and be provided with the necessary tools they need to enjoy satisfactory oral wellbeing”.
The JDA President reminded the public that “good dental healthcare begins in the womb”, with the onus being on pregnant women to adapt healthy lifestyles and diets, so that their children will enjoy a lifetime of healthy gums and teeth.
Some of the highlights of the Health Fair were that students received free dental examinations/screenings, cleanings, treatment and referrals, as well as were shown a dramatic animation film dubbed, “Three friends “ which featured the three types of teeth(canine, incisors and molars), some of the fears of children and recommended best practices in maintaining healthy teeth. The students also got the opportunity to participate in Presentations and Rap Sessions on oral health care, received informational handouts on oral health, sampled LASCO personal care and dental health products, as well as LASCO food products, engaged in sing-a-long sessions, face painting, story corners and other entertainment. The presentations and Rap Sessions explored such topics as: ‘The Importance of Brushing Your Teeth’, ‘Brushing and Flossing Procedures’, a ‘Balanced Nutrition’ and ‘Your Oral Health and Systemic Diseases’.
The schools in attendance were: Ascot Primary, Greater Portmore Primary, Gwen Neil Basic, Independence City Primary, Naggo Head Primary, Portmore Gospel Assembly (PGA) Preparatory, Port Henderson Primary, St. Catherine Preparatory and St. Jago Preparatory.
Tracey Ann Forbes, Grade 3 Teacher at Greater Portmore Primary School and Dorothy Parsons, Grade 3 Teacher at Naggo Head Primary who accompanied students to the Health Fair, were among several teachers who felt that Wednesday’s Health Fair played a vital role in building the awareness of students on oral health matters and on careers in Dentistry. “What they have certainly learnt today has helped to reinforce the lessons on the teeth, which they studied in class earlier this term. They also learnt some new things today. The presentations have also demonstrated some good dental health habits such as brushing and flossing and the proper way of doing these things,” said Ms. Forbes. She indicated that for many of her students, it was the first time they would be visiting a dentist and so they were excited about doing the dental examinations.
The children also shared their reactions to the Health Fair. Seven year old Trissan Campbell of PGA Preparatory exclaimed, “The best thing that happened to me today is that I got my teeth cleaned. Everything is going great!” Eight year old Gabrielle Darlington stated, “I enjoy when they used the giant model of the teeth to show us how to brush properly. I learnt that it is important to not just brush outside my teeth, but both inside and outside my teeth.”
