Dental Squadron Airmen educate children about dental care

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. - Senior Airman Job Torres-Gomez, 355th Dental Squadron dental assistant, shows a student from Borman Elementary School the proper technique used when brushing teeth as part of the National Children’s Dental Health month here Feb. 18. Airmen from the 355th DS visited the school to educate the children on good oral hygiene. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jerilyn Quintanilla)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Job Torres-Gomez, 355th Dental Squadron dental assistant, shows a student from Borman Elementary School the proper technique used when brushing teeth as part of the National Children’s Dental Health month Feb. 18. Airmen from the 355th DS at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.,visited the school to educate the children on good oral hygiene. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jerilyn Quintanilla/Released)

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Oral care starts at a young age, and Airmen from the 355th Dental Squadron are getting the word out to children on base during Children's Dental Health Month, preparing them for healthy teeth in the present and future.

Six members from the 355th DS went to several locations on base and educated children on what good dental hygiene is as well as how to perform it.

"We just did a big event on Feb. 4," said Staff Sgt. Kristy Stowell, 355th Dental Squadron dental technician. "We went to both Child Development Centers and Borman Elementary School, and we talked to kids from preschool through fourth grade. We talked about their teeth, how to brush and how to floss."

A variety of demonstrations were illustrated through the use of songs, videos and skits.

"I enjoy showing the children how to take care of their teeth and showing them how to brush and floss," Stowell said. "I just love the look on their faces and how they're all excited when we're there."

The 355th DS reached out to approximately 476 children on base who received individual dental health kits, that included toothbrushes, dental floss and workbooks.