Jackson Academy first and second graders learned lifelong lessons last week from the School of Dentistry of the University of Mississippi Medical Center. To make the lessons more meaningful, recent JA alumni were among those who delivered information about good dental health.
As part of Dental Awareness Month, Malon Stratton ’17 and Maggie Smith ‘18 visited JA with other dental professionals in training to encourage youngsters to maintain proper oral hygiene. They talked about the importance of students taking care of their teeth so they can be confident in their beautiful smiles as they grow.
“The kindness that radiates from our hearts to those around us can start with a smile,” said alumna Malon Stratton. “As training dental professionals, my classmates and I used this motivation while at JA this past Thursday: to instruct and encourage the students to keep their teeth happy and healthy so in turn, they can use that beautiful smile to impact others in a positive way.”
Second-grade teacher Chloe Hudson said students learned what foods are good and bad for oral health, how to brush and floss properly, and the importance of oral hygiene. Students were able to demonstrate proper brushing.
“All the students had such a fun time learning new things about oral hygiene and asking the dental students different questions,” said Hudson, whose husband Patrick was among the dental professionals in training who presented.
Stratton said she was grateful for the opportunity to share what she is learning in dental school with current JA students. “Talking to the first and second graders was a significant moment for me as I remember sitting in those rooms just 18 years ago,” she said. “The impact this school had and continues to have on my life is incomparable. I will never be able to fully express the amount of gratitude I have for this school, my teachers, coaches, administrators, and faculty who have encouraged my pursuit of the healthcare field. Thank you for allowing me to come and share why dental health is so important!”
