Vicenza, Italy -- For anyone still scared to go to a dentist appointment, the Child Development Center Strong Beginnings' visit to the Vicenza Dental Clinic on Caserma Ederle March 10 would have been a good experience to defeat any fear.
In fact, for 14 children from the pre-kindergarten program, the field trip to the facility was anything but scary.
The event was coordinated by Phoenix De La Pena and Maria Garcia, Strong Beginnings teachers, with the help of Lt. Col. Alfred Anderson, dental clinic commander.
"Our class had been learning about health and nutrition. We think it was very helpful for them to learn more about dental hygiene and to see what we had been discussing firsthand," said De La Pena.
She explained that the field trip also helped to familiarize the children with the environment and tools they see when they visit the dentist.
Teachers and some parents accompanied the children throughout five stations that were set up for them by the dental clinic staff.
Assisting during the field trip was Maj. Chad Eardley, pediatric dentist for the clinic.
He said, "It was a great success in our view, and would be nice to continue in the future. Many pre-school age children are scared about new things. Bringing them to the clinic -- with all of their classmates - is a good way to help the children feel comfortable and safe. Many of them are more likely to try new things when they see their friends participating."
Divided into smaller groups, children were introduced at each station to some of the things they will experience in a dental setting.
"Many things used in dentistry can look scary to children. This was an opportunity to let them explore the dental setting in a non-threatening way," Eardley continued.
He explained how each station provided information; for instance, at the Tooth Pictures station, children were able to see how the camera is positioned around the head and, afterwards, the digital x-ray images on the computer screen.
"They may get scared first, but once we show them the procedures, they get used to it and it is helpful for kids of this age before their first visit," said Pfc. Daradano Toun, dental assistant at the X-rays station.
Other stations included introduction to air and water syringe, chair rides and dental instruments (mirror and tooth counter), and oral hygiene instruction.
"In this station [oral hygiene instruction], children used puppet tooth models and oversized toothbrushes to learn about proper brushing and flossing technique. Interestingly, one of the scariest things for kids is the dental chair moving up, down and reclining. So during the children's visit, each one was able to have a 'chair ride'," said Eardley .
He also added: "They practiced going up, down and lying back. They had fun holding the dental mirror and smiling, trying to see their reflection in the mini-size mirror. In the last station - hands-on with impression material - children were given gooey impression material in their hand and watched it harden right before their eyes. They loved this part."
De La Pena echoed the sentiment that the visit was successful.
"The children enjoyed interacting with the dental clinic staff. Everyone at the clinic was extremely helpful and friendly. They put together a very organized, fun and interactive event for our class," she said.
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