Turning kids into
their own personal dentistsMonday, June 03,
2002
"Rosy lips, teeth within"
will not just remain a nursery rhyme for school students
anymore. Thanks to a full-fledged clinic at J. D. Tytler
School here -- probably the first in the entire country as
part of a school-based preventive dental health education
programme -- students will have enough reason to flash their
teeth with pride.
To turn children into their own
personal dentist is the avowed mission of this Centre, which
has been functioning for the past two years. Besides a
thorough dental check-up of school children from Class I to
XII, they are also being introduced to top class dental health
care through an intensive preventive and educational programme
in phases.
"Dental diseases in children and the
resultant abnormalities that occur when they grow up can be
prevented by education and treatment beginning at an early
age," says Col (Mrs) Ganga Chandola, who took premature
retirement from the Army to set up the centre after she was
invited to do so by the principal of this Rajender Nagar-based
school, Jennifer Tytler.
Equipped with the most modern
equipment, the centre has been trying to promote the concept
of preventive dental health care among students. "The aim has
been to educate children on dental care and inspire them to
take preventive steps so that they can take elementary care of
their teeth," informs Col. Chandola.
In the academic
session beginning April 2000 to March 2001, a thorough dental
check-up of 3,437 students was carried out in batches of 10-15
each. Children were given information on common dental
diseases and their prevention by correct brushing, avoiding
tobacco and chocolates and the use of flourides. During the
mid-term and final year examinations, they were also put
through an objective test for ascertaining their knowledge on
dentistry.
Last year, parent's counselling was started
in the school and a fortnightly flouride rinse programme was
also held. Meanwhile, common dental procedures are being
carried out on students in the full-fledged school clinic
after obtaining the consent of the parents.
"While
stress is laid on changing children's oral hygiene habits and
attitudes towards dental health, we have even performed a few
operations here," says Col. Chandola.
To encourage
children to maintain their dental health, merit certificates
and other gifts are given to the best students of Dental
Health Education. "This model of preventive dental health
education is now being adopted by other schools in the
vicinity," she adds.
A book, "Become Your Own Dentist"
written by Mrs. Chandola is being given to children for more
knowledge. |
