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Texas reserve dental squadron works to brighten students smiles

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt. Carlos J. Trevino
  • 433 AW
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas --  Three 433rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron Airmen spoke to over 120 kindergartners at Cable Elementary, a Northside Independent School District school, located in an economically-challenged area of San Antonio on Feb. 7.

The dental assistants conducted three presentations which were welcomed by the school's faculty.

"The sooner they learn how to take care of their teeth, the healthier they are going to be as grownups," said Pauline Allen, a Community in Schools program social worker at the school.
"There is a high need in this community. Many of them don't have insurance and get regular checkups. Many of our kids are being raised by their grandparents," said Allen. "The kids were excited. I think they really are going to learn something here," she said.

"I think the presentation is wonderful," said Adrianna Borrego, a kindergarten teacher at the school. "I thought they (433 AMDS dental assistants) were able to relate to the students. There is a need in this community for this because a lot of our kids don't know how to take care of their teeth. I know the kids will go home and tell their moms about what they learned."

The students were given bags with floss, a puzzle book, and informational pamphlets for their parents.

"Every kid likes to receive goodie bags," Tech Sgt. Betty Alejandrez, a 433rd AMDS dental assistant, said. "I feel very proud that we brighten their day."

Senior Airman Samantha Crawford, a pediatric dental assistant in her civilian job, witnesses the damage poor dental hygiene can have on young mouths. "We take children to surgery every week, " she said. "We have to put them under general anesthesia and have to put crowns on all their teeth or extract them because they don't have good habits whether it is good eating or dental hygiene."

The Airmen believe the presentation will have an immediate and lasting effect on the young students.

"Education prevents future cavities," said Staff Sgt. Ashley Kilby, a 433rd AMDS dental assistant. "Just in case they aren't being told at home how to brush their teeth, this is good for them. It also lets the community know that the base cares about them."