On May 3, Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Dental Hygiene students played host to approximately 20 grade 6 & 7 aboriginal students from Meskanahk Ka-Nipa-Wit (Montana) School and Mother Earth's Children's Charter School.
Students set up stations in the Simulation Lab to demonstrate to the kids the different areas of dentistry and dental hygiene. Stations included waxing and molds, brushing and flossing, composite fillings, polishing and amalgam preps. DDS students who participated were Davis Fox, Linda Lan, Tasha Chrbet, Evgeniya Kazachenko and Courtney Doerksen. From Dental Hygiene were Brittany Logan, An Ton and Angela Park.
"One of the kids prepping an amalgam was a natural," said Tasha Chrbet, second year DDS student. "He was so focused and diligent with his movement it was like he had done this before."
The workshop was part of a 5-day camp put on in partnership with the Hope Foundation. It is meant to expose kids who would not otherwise get the chance to visit a university setting and explore career opportunities. Chemistry, nursing, and medicine were also part of the day camp.
"Some of these kids never leave the reserve," says Victor Tang, teacher at Mother Earth School. "From this experience, we help them identify who they are and what they want to do."
"I had a great time helping out today," said Angela Park, Dental Hygiene graduate student. "I am proud to say that I am part of a faculty that is so well connected to society that gives back to its community."
Dr. Kelner, School of Dentistry faculty member, led the initiative and was on hand to answer any questions, and to help guide the students in this learning experience.