Dental Health Days in Avalon

Recently, the Children’s Dental Health Clinic and the West Coast University Dental Hygiene Program hosted Dental Health Days in Avalon.

Over these two days, more than 30 children received much needed dental hygiene treatment at the Dental Clinic; and approximately 200 students at the Avalon School participated in an assembly about the importance of dental cleanings, proper brushing and flossing. A skit performed by West Coast University dental hygiene students at the school assembly gave students a fun way to learn about taking care of their smiles.

Dental Clinic staff and West Coast University students also presented Dental Health Education sessions in two science classrooms, performing science experiments with eggs to show how acid affects tooth enamel.

Supporters of the Children’s Dental Health Clinic, also hosted a door decorating contest themed “Love Smiles” where classrooms were encouraged to turn their doors into a work of art representing why and how we should “Love Smiles.”

Winning classrooms:

First Place – Ms. Eroen’s first grade classroom B1.

Second Place – Ms. Calise’s first grade classroom B2.

Third Place – Ms. Vandesande’s classroom B8.

On Thursday afternoon, Children’s Dental Health Clinic (CDHC) staff, supporters, and West Coast University Dental Hygiene staff and students hosted a small walk from the school-based Dental Clinic to the shore with a “Love Catalina Smiles” banner in hand, and gave out free toothpaste, bumper stickers and floss.

For the past 30 years, the CDHC Catalina Island Clinic has been the primary Clinic on the Island serving underserved children. This year marked the first of CDHC’s Love Catalina Smiles walk, with the hopes of many more to come! As a non-profit dental clinic, the CDHC could not exist without the support of our community. Special Thanks to these individuals and groups for supporting this year’s Love Catalina Smiles event: West Coast University, Avalon School, Patty Ann McKinnon (affectionately known as CDHC’s Avalon Angel), Leslie Ann Pittman, Marilyn Spencer, Barbara Lieberman-Jones, Ken Putnam, and former Avalon Mayor Ralph Morrow.

The CDHC is reaching out to all of Catalina Island to support their vision “to see that all children grow up with healthy, confident smiles” Please visit www.cdhc.org or contact Belinda Wells at 562-933-0602 to lend a helping hand.