TU: FSCJ holds fair for hundreds of children to boost literacy and offer health, dental screenings
Times-Union
Jamilah, without hesitation, opened her mouth wide for a dental screening and later for a fluoride treatment to help strengthen her teeth. She was smiling even before she was told she had no cavities and received a small red backpack and new toothbrush from Colgate.
“It’s just like face painting,” an energetic Jamilah told dental hygiene student Caila Williams as she coated her teeth with the treatment.
Williams, a second-year student at Florida State College at Jacksonville, joined fellow dental program students and other students for the FSCJ North Campus Family Literacy Fair, which was held in conjunction with Mighty Teeth Day on Saturday.
“We think it’s an opportunity to give some free education about their health,” said Williams, who is from Callahan, which is north of Jacksonville. She said the event also helps them learn to adjust to experiences with different patients. Jamilah was cooperative. Some other children do not want to open their mouths and require more coaxing.
Williams helped Jamilah with her technique for brushing and talked to her about flossing.
Slideshow: MIGHTY TEETH DAY: FSCJ dental students help kids
Earlier, fellow dental student Krystal Peacock, who is from Sacramento, Calif., but has lived in Jacksonville for about six years, talked to Jamilah, her mother and to other participants about their dental health in a Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Futures bus, which is equipped with exam chairs.
“It gives a lot of opportunity for these kids who have never been in a dental office before,” said Silvana Tchorbadjian, Florida coordinator for the Colgate program. She said the bus travels throughout the state and was staffed by volunteers from the college on Saturday.
The North Campus was vibrant on Saturday.
Sandy Robinson, president of the campus, said each year 600 to 1,000 children attend the free event, which included reading and storytelling programs, a snowcone station, music, face painting, an obstacle course, hearing and vision screenings, a planetarium, and a presentation by author Vincent Taylor, a FSCJ graduate.
Robinson said literacy is the focus.
“This is our day to bring the community to our campus,” she said.
Sebastian Kitchen: (904) 359-4161