Children's Sealant Day attracts 161 patients

More children than ever before were treated to healthier smiles and a pleasant dental experience during the Children's Sealant Day sponsored by the Asian-American Dental Society at Baylor College of Dentistry Nov. 15. Supported by the college's pediatric dentistry and public health sciences departments, the free program helped 161 children, 150 of whom received prophylaxis and/or sealants in addition to a dental exam. Sealants were applied to 659 teeth.

The event was staffed by 62 dental students – many of whom are members of ADS or the Texas Association of Women Dentists-BCD Chapter – and 21 dental hygiene students. "This was the largest turn out we've experienced in both the number of children served and the number of student volunteers," said Dr. Loulou Moore (BCD '93, '94), assistant professor of restorative sciences and faculty adviser to ADS and TAWD. "It was a wonderful experience to watch the volunteers (students, faculty, staff and alumni) work so tirelessly and unselfishly to provide wonderful preventive care to these young children.

"We are so grateful for their commitment, enthusiasm and willingness to give back to the community," Moore continued. "As a team, we are proud to be part of the BCD family."

"Our students were eager, efficient and focused," said Moore. "It was a learning experience for all of us, and our young patients received important oral health education and valuable preventive care."

BCD students were supervised by Moore; Dr. Jon Clemetson (BCD '02), adjunct assistant professor of diagnostic sciences; Dr. George Cramer (BCD '75), clinical assistant professor of restorative sciences; Dr. Stephen Crane (BCD '73), clinical assistant professor of public health sciences; and Dr. Steve Karbowski, assistant professor of restorative sciences. Dr. Dana Ly (BCD '02), a former ADS member, also worked with students in the clinic. Kruti Khara (D3), ADS parliamentary chair, coordinated the event with assistance from Karina Marr (D3).

Alison Crane, Crane's daughter, provided breakfast items. Joyce Owen DeWeese, professional relations manager of Delta Dental Insurance Company, donated dental supplies and gift-bag items to the children. Julius Hartono, president of iME Health Supplies Inc., provided gloves and sponsored lunch. Brian Krajca of the Kimberly-Clark Corporation provided gowns, masks and gloves. Ultradent provided all sealant materials. Fung Yang of Applied Dental Company provided disposable mouth mirrors and explorers.

Leeanna Bartlett, director of social services, Leah Pockrus, administrative coordinator in public health sciences, and Angela Wilson, administrative assistant in public health sciences, provided assistance in purchasing dental supplies. Shirley Rasbury and Debbie Ruff, procurement specialists in purchasing, provided advice and assistance in selecting and purchasing essential items for the event. Kitty Trammel, clinic accounting assistant in clinical services, donned her "Kitty the Clown" persona to entertain the children as they waited for treatment. BCD's environmental services, facilities services and planning, and security staff also supported the event, especially: Hiram Patterson, environmental health and safety manager in facilities services and planning; Gwen Sullivan, administrative assistant in facilities services and planning; David Weng, security officer in security; and Mike Young, facilities services manager in facilities services and planning.
 

A Component of The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center

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