H.T. Jones Elementary (JES) partnered with Tomball, Magnolia, Waller (TOMAGWA) HealthCare Ministries to educate students on the importance of dental health. During a recent visit, TOMAGWA Dental Services taught the basics of dental hygiene through dental exams. To participate, parents completed consent form with basic information of their child’s dental history. More than 200 students signed up to be a part of this first-time experience at JES.

As students wait for their exam, they are given age-appropriate activities to teach them the importance of taking care of their teeth. Younger students were taught how to properly brush their teeth, while older students were shown the different amounts of sugar in popular drinks. Each student was treated to a limited oral exam and a fluoride varnish. Afterwards, they were given a short report on the condition of their teeth to share with their parents. Students were also gifted goody bags containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and a sticker.

“We wanted to make this experience as fun as possible for students so they learn not to be afraid of going to the dentist,” TOMAGWA Director of Dental Services Lorie Jones said.

The program began in 2013 with a mission to provide dental services to children at school where they spend a majority of their time free of charge. This is the first year TOMAGWA has teamed with Waller ISD. The team that visited JES consisted of TOMAGWA staff and volunteers, along with dental students from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Dentistry.