High octane lesson in oral health

Students from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School with the No. 16 car

Rain may have delayed the race, but the Duck Commander 500 brought more than just stock cars, drivers and fans to Texas Motor Speedway last weekend.

Several fourth-year dental students from Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry spent April 4 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth for a Give Kids a Smile event unlike any they had previously encountered.

More than 100 first through eighth graders from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Dallas were treated to a day of oral health education, a tour of the race track, games and, of course, dental trivia from none other than Greg Biffle, driver of the No. 16 car, and his crew chief.

TAMBCD students facilitated an oral health talk and assisted with other activities during the daylong event, including lunch in a NASCAR motor home at the center of the track. Dental student volunteers also helped with an autograph session, prize giveaways — including coveted mini-versions of the stock car — and signing of an oral health pledge, in which the youngsters committed to brushing their teeth for two minutes, two times a day.

The event was made possible as part of a partnership among NASCAR, Oral Health America, the American Dental Association, 3M and health care product company Henry Schein Inc.