Over the past 6 weeks our Year 2 Dental students have been taking part in community projects as part of our Dental Symposium.

Our students have delivered a hands-on fun workshop for pupils at Brook Green Centre for Learning and worked with the team at PAUSE using craft as a way of talking about healthy habits and behaviours.

They have worked with Devon and Cornwall Refugee Service and Improving Lives to discuss the importance of mouthcare for all and to show how important community engagement is.

The students have worked with different companies to host various workshops for our community.  Some students worked with the St Budeaux Wellbeing Hub, hosting an oral health themed workshop in the warm space. Whilst others worked with Southway Family Hub to connect with the local Southway community talking to all ages about happy, healthy smiles.  They have also worked with Barnardos to meet with parents and carers of young children across the city to talk about the importance of early brushing and mouth care.  Students partnered with Elder Tree Befriending, who had a lovely session with the craft group making Christmas cards and gifts whilst talking about how you can have a healthy smile later in life.

During there final weeks of the dental symposium, the students were delighted to join families at Action 4 Children to share key oral health messages with parents and carers and provide ‘Top Brushing Tips’ when brushing may be a challenge.  Supported by the local Community Builder, Emily, joined the Estover Craft Group to paint pebbles and share key messages across the community.  A fantastic session was held by one of our students, who worked alongside our very own Sustainability Officer to understood more about sustainable models in dentistry, sharing their learning during a ‘Lunch and Learn’ with fellow students and colleagues.  Another student worked with Liane, the Devonport Community Builder, to host a ‘Dental Drop-In’ at the local Devonport ‘Help our Neighbour’ Café.  Amazing opportunity to talk about the importance of oral health, answer questions and improve confidence.

Click here to read more about the IPE.