Spring Branch ISD Featured News

 

Tooth fairy wings…check. Tooth model…check. Storybook about teeth…check. Giant tooth character coloring pages…check. Toothbrush and toothpaste packets…check.

Using these supplies, 11 seniors from the Dental Assistant program at the Guthrie Center in Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) recently visited two elementary schools in the district to share their knowledge about dental hygiene with second and third graders. This program is one of several Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offered by the Guthrie Center, allowing students to earn a job-ready certification.

February is Dental Health Month, making it an especially timely opportunity for the Dental Assistant students to visit Valley Oaks Elementary and Hollibrook Elementary at the invitation of the schools’ nurses, Stacy Black and Billy Kirkland, respectively.

Upon arriving at their assigned classrooms, the dental health students first demonstrated the best way to brush teeth. Using a model of teeth, they showed the circular, scrubbing, and swiping motions needed in each section of the mouth to ensure a thorough cleaning.

The elementary students were then given a chance to ask questions of the visiting oral healthcare seniors. Some questions were anticipated:

• What happens when I pull a tooth out?
• What happens if I don’t floss?
• What if I don’t go to the dentist?
• What should I do if I get something stuck in my teeth?

Then there were some unexpected questions, too:

• I have an extra row of teeth. Do I need a different size toothbrush?
• Should I brush my tongue?
• When my tooth comes out, should I brush that area?
• Do I have an overbite?
• If I lose a tooth as an adult, will it grow back?

The dental program students handled these questions with professional ease.

Following the brushing demonstrations, the seniors read dental-related stories to the younger students. They also distributed black-and-white drawings of a giant tooth character for the kids to color. Each second and third grader received a toothbrush and toothpaste packet to take home.

In some classrooms, the information was translated into Spanish by the visiting dental program students.

Rachel B., a senior at Stratford High School, said of her experience at the elementary schools, “It’s just fun. They were so enthusiastic, and they loved it. It made me so happy to come share this information with them.”

Taylor T., a Memorial High School senior, emphasized the importance of dental health for young students. “It’s very important for kids to take care of their teeth because later when they are older, they need this foundation,” she said.

Dental Assistant Program Growing

The Dental Assistant program, now in its second year in SBISD, is currently housed at Houston Community College - Spring Branch Campus while construction continues at the Guthrie Center under the 2022 Bond Program. Led by instructors Mari Dunlap and Charity Butler, the 11 students chose to participate in the dental assistant practicum after earning their clinical medical assistant certifications in their junior year.

During the practicum year, the students attend class four days a week and participate in a clinical rotation at a dentist’s office once a week.

When asked what motivated her to choose the Dental Assistant practicum, Eileen S. from Spring Woods High School said, “What motivated me to get into this is my own family’s dental history. I feel like they struggled with dental care, so I decided to go into this field. I wish to go into the dental field when I go to college.”

At the end of their practicum year, the high school seniors can take a certification test to earn their Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) or National Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential.

“Last year we had seven students,” said Dunlap. “Everybody passed the certification. And one of those students is now taking X-rays at my own dentist’s office!”

Charity Butler, the lead teacher in the dental assistant program, has been in the industry as a CDA for more than 30 years. She has also been a science instructor in another school district. Joining the Dental Assistant program in SBISD allows her to combine her dental knowledge with her love of teaching.

Butler continues to work in the dental field when school is out, through a temp agency. “It’s kind of cool because I can then bring information about new technologies, materials, and practices to the students,” she said. “It takes it out of just book knowledge they are learning as part of the curriculum.”

 

 

Say Awwwww

As the latest dental assistant program cohort finishes their senior year, they will be equipped to provide chairside support to dentists and hygienists right after graduation, should they choose this career path. Who knows? You may someday have an X-ray taken by one of these bright young students. Say “awwww,” then say, “I am so proud of you!” 

For more information about SBISD’s 26 Programs of Study in CTE, click here.

#SBISDProud