Oral hygiene and dental care by AIMST University

By Mimi Say

It's an exciting day for our young ones even though they are meeting dentists and future dentists. How was this phobia dispelled in young children? We were privileged to be chosen by AIMST University Dentistry Faculty to run the above programme at Wonderful Years Kindergarten.

How on earth did the lecturers and their students managed to convince 5 and 6-ers to cooperate with dentists during their dental check-ups? Not a single tear shed. Amazing...

Kid,"How on earth do I brush with that?"

First, the students put an interesting play on dental caries. Children were even asked to sing along a 'Brushing Teeth" nursery. One child managed to memorise almost all the lyrics even though it was heard the first time.  They were then given talks on 'good' and 'bad' food. Quite a number of children are able to name all the 'good' and 'bad' food.

Later some children were ushered to a room where their dental health are checked by AIMST university dentists. the young ones obviously cooperated after being mesmerised by the gigantic toothbrush, tooth, short play and nursery rhyme sing-a-long. Even a boy who has socialising problem warmed up to all the activities done.

Interaction between future dentists, children and teacher

Some children did dot-to-dot and colouring activity while waiting for their turn.

Deeply engrossed.

Will my teeth turn purple?

Finally, it's practical period after so much 'cajoling' and convincing done by AIMST lecturers and students. Some children displayed fear of performing this daunting' task initially, but were able to weather this emotional storm by seeing all their friends doing it.

Do I really need to brush?

Braving the minty flavour which they dislike, they managed to finish the whole process of brushing teeth. They felt so proud of themselves as they are able to accomplish the 'mounting' task. Thanks to Colgate for sponsoring the toothpastes and toothbrushes. Some of them even claimed that they do like the strong mint flavour.

This is the way we brush our teeth so early in the morning...

See me, I can brush on my own!

Up and down,  front and back

Can you see how shining they are?

One is able to see that they truly enjoyed such an 'adventurous' day. The very moment they met their parents at the end of schooling hour, they shared their wonderful experience while showing their 'gifts' proudly.

Thank you AIMST. Thank you COLGATE. Thank you CHILDREN! It's a wonderful collaboration between a university, a kindergarten and our lovely young ones, where ALL parties benefited.

VICTORY to all parties!