DH 320 class makes strong impact in community

The Dental Hygiene 320 Health Education and Leadership class' presentations and messages of the importance of maintaining good oral health are not only being heard by their participants, but is also being adopted by the local community.

Each year the 320 class does 20 presentations in four different English language programs - Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, Norquest College, Metro Continuing Education, and the Assist Community Service Centre.

"In this class students learn to present oral health concepts to groups of people in the community," says dental hygiene professor Barbara Gitzel. "The students come back with the biggest smiles on their faces. It's a real-life experience for them. They get to be out in the community and make a difference."

Many students say that while they are the ones teaching dental hygiene, they actually learn a lot from the participants as well says Gitzel.

"The students always feel like they've made a difference because the participants are so appreciative," added Gitzel.

One such participant is NorQuest College.

"They were friendly, positive, encouraging and helpful to my students all of whom have literacy issues," Katharine Gahan from CLB 4 Literacy at NorQuest College wrote to Gitzel. "I was very impressed by their knowledge and how well they related to the students. The presentation was a good length and interactive and the students were greatly interested in the material.

"All three hygiene students were respectful and open to answering as many questions as the students asked. They took the time to circulate around the room and speak to students individually. It is obvious that the three of them love what they are doing. Thank you for sending them to my class. It was such a positive and enriching experience for my students."