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5 Pitt dental students learn of the need first-hand
Sunday, August 26, 2001 By Rachel Smolkin, Post-Gazette National Bureau
WASHINGTON-- Five University of Pittsburgh students got a first-hand look this summer into the oral health needs among low-income children.
The School of Dental Medicine students worked with Bridging the Gaps Pittsburgh, a university program that provides dental care for under-served communities. The students worked in public housing communities and wrote about it in daily journals.
"They saw children in advanced states of decay that really surprised them, and children in pain who were consistently not being taken to doctors because insurance didn't cover it, or because people didn't know that Medicaid covered it, or because of how complex the lives of these people are," said Thistle Elias, curriculum developer for Bridging the Gaps.
The goal of the program is to teach future dentists, doctors, pharmacists, nurses and public-health researchers about the challenges low-income people face in obtaining health care.
As part of their seven-week summer project, the students prepared booklets on good oral health habits to give to children and parents. They also conducted basic oral screenings, part of which involves using large toothbrushes and a "dental doll" with full-size teeth to demonstrate proper brushing techniques. Each child receives toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Screenings will be held Tuesday for children under 18 participating in the city's summer youth program from 9 a.m. to noon at the Glen Hazel Recreation Center in Homestead and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the North Homewood Center.
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