The following article was submitted to the West Essex Tribune for publication by Livingston High School student Anika Gupta.
• • • • Three students from Livingston High School’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Future Health Professionals chapter –Anika Gupta, Jasper Cheng, and Jesica Sadreh – recently discussed dental health education with the preschoolers at Livingston Academy on Okner Parkway.
As part of a community outreach effort, the students visited classrooms of threeto five-year-olds to teach the importance of dental hygiene in a way that was both educational and entertaining. The session combined interactive videos, demonstrations, songs, and hands-on learning tools to help the young children understand how to take care of their teeth.
One of the highlights of the visit was a demonstration using an oversized toothbrush and a large model of teeth. This visual aid helped the preschoolers grasp the proper brushing technique and learn how to clean all sides of their teeth. The children were excited to participate and practice brushing on the model themselves.
“We wanted to make it fun and visual so the kids could really connect with what we were teaching,” Sadreh said. “Using the big toothbrush and teeth made it feel like a game – and they loved it!”
To keep the kids engaged, the students also showed short animated videos about tooth brushing and cavity prevention, followed by fun brushing songs that the children could sing at home.
After the lesson, each child received a dental care package that included dental- themed stickers, small dental toys, and a “Letter to Parents” to make sure their good habits keep up. This was to celebrate their participation and encourage good habits.
“It was so rewarding to see how excited they were about learning,” Cheng said. “A lot of them told us about their brushing routines, and some even asked if they could brush again when they got home.”
Anika Gupta, who helped lead the initiative, added, “Teaching kids about hygiene early sets the foundation for lifelong habits. It was amazing to see how eager they were to listen, learn, and have fun at the same time.”
This event was one of several outreach activities led by Livingston High School’s HOSAchapter, a student-run organization that encourages leadership and service in the field of health sciences.
