Clayton State Dental Hygiene Students Promote Oral Health Education During National Children’s Dental Health Month

(February 5, 2026) - Dental hygiene students at Clayton State University are giving back to the community through hands-on outreach as we mark National Children’s Dental Health Month in February. Clayton State seniors Deysi Perdomo and Daisy Alonso recently visited a local elementary school to teach students about the benefits of good oral hygiene including the importance of regular dental visits, and ways to prevent tooth decay.

“Visiting the elementary school was both exciting and rewarding,” Perdomo and Alonso said. “The students were curious, energetic, and eager to participate, which made teaching oral health fun and interactive.”

Using easy to follow demonstrations and explanations, Perdomo and Alonso emphasized proper brushing and flossing, nutrition, and the importance of caring for one’s overall health. “We wanted them to understand that taking care of their teeth is an important part of taking care of their whole body,” they shared.

The experience also played a key role in dental hygiene students’ professional development. “It reinforced our passion for patient education and prevention and helped us build confidence explaining dental concepts in a simple, age-appropriate way,” they said.

According to Naquilla Thomas, Assistant Professor and Chair of the Department of Dental Hygiene at CSU, school visits are an essential part of student learning. “These experiences allow students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, strengthen communication skills, and deliver meaningful oral health education to children,” Thomas said.

Through a combination of education, service, and compassion, Clayton State University’s dental hygiene students are helping build lifelong healthy habits and brighter smiles within the community.

In recognition of National Children’s Dental Health Month, Clayton State University’s on-site dental hygiene clinic will host a week of free preventive dental services for children 18 and younger from February 16 to 20. Appointments are required and availability is limited.