What People Are Saying
It Doesn't Hurt: The Dental Van Comes to School
Five members from Washington, DC, attended the Experience Corps Learning and Leadership Exchange in 2007 and decided to use their leadership to address the need for dental health care in their community.
"It is our belief that healthy bodies produce healthy minds and help to achieve academic success," explained Gloria Thomas. "We wanted to show that we have the resolve to address healthcare needs. Putting words into action is what real change is all about."
In May of 2007 the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Dental Mobile rolled into the parking lot at Bowen Elementary School in Southwest Washington, DC. By the end of the day, 128 of 235 students had visited the van.
This project was initially inspired by research Thomas conducted in which she found that that dental services to DC's low-income residents had been "spotty at best" for the last 20 years. The absence of dental insurance, a low participation of dentists in Medicaid and long waits in the few clinics that accept low-income patients all added up to a lack of care for children.
The Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Dental Mobile team provided extensive, child-friendly information about preventative dental care, handed out toothbrushes, and examined students. More than two thirds of the students were identified as needing follow-up care. The Bowen Elementary School nurse sent results of the screenings to the parents of these children.
"By using the strengths and talents identified in the Leadership and Learning Exchange, we were able to achieve our desired goal of working together to improve students' dental healthcare habits," Thomas said.
The team's efforts earned the attention of Harry Thomas, a DC Council Member, who visited the van. The team continued their efforts by contacting the Mayor's office recommending that the program be available to all city schools and that a committee be formed to examine the options for providing dental care for low-income families. The project has also driven meetings between the Experience Corps national office and dental care providers to explore the possibility of offering this kind of program to other schools in the nation wide network.
A Great Impact
Betty Lewis, Experience Corps member
I have thoroughly enjoyed being a tutor. The students loved the time I was able to give them. I am overwhelmed by the impact this program has made upon each child.
Do Something With Their Lives
Jon Gundersen, Experience Corps member
Mentors don't just go in there and feel good. We give the kids a sense that they can do something with their lives.
Will You Tutor Me Again?
Nathalie Black, Experience Corps member
Working with the children during these past five years has been both challenging and rewarding. When a child asks, Will you be my tutor again? For the second or even third year, it is gratifying. When that child achieves measurable success in reading and general deportment, it is doubly gratifying.
No More Cards
Leila Kendrick, Experience Corps member
I work with a third grader who came to the tutoring session expecting to play cards. He thought the whole idea was to get out of class, but he soon learned that tutoring helped him. His reading skills and attention span in the classroom have improved. He does not even ask about playing cards when he comes for tutoring now.
He Inspires Me
Bill Shunk, Experience Corps member
I work with one kindergartener who is truly heroic. He has speech difficulties, which makes it an effort for him to do anything, but he tries and tries, and he always makes it work. He inspires me!
Great Support to the School
Carol Paig, counselor, West Elementary School
West school is blessed to have such a diligent and hardworking group of tutors and mentors. Our Experience Corps members begin each day with a smile, knowing they will help a child. This program is a great support to our school, students and parents.
