Preschoolers in Jamie Ryan’s classroom at Round Hill Road Preschool recently welcomed a special guest, Megan Ryan, Dental Hygienist and Jamie’s sister.
Megan’s visit focused on making dental care more approachable while easing the anxiety children can have surrounding dental visits. Through a demonstration, interactive exchange, and activities, Megan shared the basics of good dental hygiene in a way that was engaging and accessible. “A lot of children get nervous or scared going to the dentist,” Jamie said. “I wanted to show students that they can be in charge of their health by learning how to properly brush their teeth and what a real dental hygienist looks like.”
While students were shy and confused at first, they quickly warmed up as Megan opened her presentation bag of goodies.
First, Megan used her mirror and asked students to smile wide and look at their teeth. Then she had them take turns brushing the model of a mouth, known as a typodont, with the large toothbrushes. Afterwards, she gifted each child a toothbrush with popular TV and movie characters to practice brushing their own teeth.
“The students seemed excited, especially when they had a chance to participate,” Jamie said. “I heard giggles, lots of talking, and clapping. They were looking and listening intently to Megan as she spoke and explained.”
After the presentation, Jamie solidified the lessons from Megan with activity sessions. She set up stations focused on dental hygiene. At one station students painted over a large yellow tooth with a toothbrush and white paint. At another, students were tasked with clearing up Play-Doh junk stuck into the crevices of large LEGO bricks representing teeth.
Jamie’s class continued dental hygiene lessons throughout the week. Overall, students learned that “clean teeth are white and free of food and gunk, how proper dental health prevents cavities, and to be mindful of their tongue and teeth.”
A copy of the presentation was sent home as well to support parents as they practice with their children and develop a solid routine.
We are grateful to Megan for volunteering her time to support the students. It provided a meaningful break in their everyday routine and helped to solidify positive lifelong habits.
