Lifestyle
Students are raising money for their trip.
Cambrian dental hygiene students going to Vietnam
Winter 2011 |
Dental Health programs professor Cindy Wing said that the students will focus their efforts on local school children who live in poverty and consume a lot of sugarcane. “Tooth decay is a painful and widespread problem for children in Sapa,” explained Wing. “In the remote villages, children eat a sugary diet, which contributes to cavities, and they don’t have access to basic supplies, like toothbrushes, which can make a big difference when combined with preventative dental health education and practice.” The experience will also enhance students’ skills in delivering preventative dental health education in different contexts. “This is a rich learning opportunity for students,”said Wing. “Employers are always looking for people who have multinational and multicultural experience, since they develop cultural sensitivity. It will also build students’ confidence, and communication skills.” The students will be travelling to Vietnam in early March, which is Dental Health month. The costs of travel and supplies are substantial, so students have launched a fundraising campaign through the Cambrian Foundation. Donations to the “2012 Dental Vietnam Initiative” can be made online at http://tinyurl.com/3znwqwh or by cheque made payable to the Cambrian Foundation. All financial contributions over $10 will receive a tax receipt.
