Back to school with good oral health

Dental student Scot Burkett shows a child how to properly brush teeth.

Texas A&M College of Dentistry was at Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District’s annual back-to-school event Aug. 2. Four dental students and two dental hygiene students provided oral health education and information to 133 children and 165 adults.

It’s one of two community events the dental college will participate in during the school year as part of its Empowering Smiles Oral Health Initiative Program, supported by a $210,000 grant from Carrollton-based nonprofit Metrocrest Hospital Authority to improve oral health in the Metrocrest community, which includes Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Addison, Coppell and surrounding areas. Representatives from the dental college participated in last year’s back-to-school event, thanks to a $120,000 grant from Metrocrest.