379th EMDG Dental Element raises oral health awareness for children

SOUTHWEST ASIA – Jacob prepares to look at his dad’s teeth with the help of Master Sgt. James Bunce, 379th Expeditionary Medical Group dental technician on Feb. 17. Col. Wayne Grieme Jr., U.S. Army Support Group commander, brought his son to the 379th EMDG Clinic as part of the clinic’s support of National Children’s Dental Health Month. After Jacob was finished playing dentist, he received a dental exam by the dentist, Lt. Col. Son Vu. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Joel Mease)

379th EMDG Dental Element raises oral health awareness for children

SOUTHWEST ASIA - Blanca prepares to look at her mother’s teeth with the help of Master Sgt. James Bunce, 379th Expeditionary Medical Group dental technician on Feb. 17. Master Sgt. Jason Olivencia, Air Force Central Command A63 superintendent, and his wife, Katie, brought their daughter to the 379th EMDG Clinic as part of the clinic’s support of National Children’s Dental Health Month. After Blanca was finished playing dentist, she received a dental exam by the dentist, Lt. Col. Son Vu. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Joel Mease)

379th EMDG Dental Element raises oral health awareness for children

Published Feb. 22, 2013
By Senior Airman Joel Mease
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- The three-person 379th Expeditionary Medical Group Dental Element opened its doors Feb. 17 to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing's smallest dependents.

The event supported National Children's Dental Health Month, but also was a chance for the dental team to explain the local dental process here for permanent party members.

"It was an opportunity for the children of permanent party members to come see us for a dental exam," said Master Sgt. James Bunce, 379th EMDG dental technician. "We also used this occasion to explain the dental insurance benefits and the availability of care in the local community."

In all, eight family members were seen, but it did provide the children a different perspective in the dental office than they are used to.

"We had the children play dentist on their parents and see how some of the equipment works," Bunce said. "Doing this provides a relaxed atmosphere that reduces the child's apprehension during a sometimes stressful experience."

After playing dentist, the children were given an examination by a dentist and were told the importance of oral hygiene.

"Developing good oral hygiene habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums," Bunce said. "Despite the fact that it is almost entirely preventable, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children. With events like National Children's Dental Health Month, we are able to connect with the parent on home preventive care and determine if additional care or patient education is needed."