Hope Day gave students the opportunity to give back to the local Bellport Community. Barbering students gave over 60 haircuts to clients free of charge. Dental Chairside Assisting students gave away over 400 care packages including children and adult toothbrushes and toothpaste. This event took place in Robert Rowley park on June 1st. Hope Day is a tristate initiative to provide services to those in need. From beatification, kids zone, health and human services and grocery give away--there was something for everyone.

MAKING THE HOLIDAY BRIGHT!

 

Mr. Ricciardo, Barbering teacher, his family, and Ms. Marzigliano, Dental Chairside Assisting teacher, held a Holiday Outreach to help make the holiday bright for local families in need.  With the generosity of BTC staff and friends, they reached their goal and collected toys and clothes for over 70 families and 260 children in need throughout our local community.  All donations will be delivered to the families this weekend with wishes for a happy, healthy holiday season.  We would like to thank everyone for their thoughtfulness, support and for spreading joy and happiness this holiday season!

 

On September 28, 2018, the students attending Ms. Marzigliano's Dental Chairside Assisting program were visited by guest speaker, Mr. Pousson.  Mr. Pousson is a representative from A-dec Inc. and he gave a presentation on the operation, use and care of the dental chairs.

Daniel A. Hassler, DDS, RDH, DHSc, MSHL was the guest speaker at the Dental Chairside Assisting Program at the Academy at Bixhorn Technical Center. He spoke to the students about the dental profession and products, such as the Waterpik, invented in 1962, now referred to as a water flosser. Innovation and technology has transformed an outdated instrument into one that proves its effectiveness.

 

 

Dr. Hassler said that about one-fourth of people lie to their dentists about flossing and people would rather do unpleasant things like sit in traffic or do unpleasant chores than floss. Scientific information and studies prove that a water flosser is better than string flossing, when used properly, and to that end, the American Dental Association (ADA) has given its stamp of approval.

 

 

The real-world experiences Hassler shared with the students made the presentation interesting and lively. On a serious note, he said, “Dentistry is rewarding. You have to work at it. If you start out as a dental assistant, be the best dental assistant you can be.”

 

Students thought the presentation was very informative and they appreciated his professional feedback. Dr. Hassler answered questions related to gingivitis and periodontal diseases and the science of dentistry.

 

 

He concluded his presentation by imploring the students to separate and be clear about what is myth and fact when it comes to bright, white, and healthy teeth. He said, “It’s important to have scientific fact and know when the ADA approves a technique or product before using it or suggesting it to anyone.” He said, “Many people believe that rubbing orange slices on teeth will help stop gingivitis or that “oil pulling” is beneficial for dental and general health. These things may work, but there is no scientific proof and the ADA does not recommend these as good dental hygiene practices. When in doubt, always defer to what is scientifically proved, and approved.”

Students Emphasize Good Habits during Dental Health Month

   

 

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and the Academy Dental Assisting students recently taught the preschoolers in the Early Childhood Education Program the proper way to brush their teeth. The Eastern Long Island Academy of Applied Technology is the Career and Technical Education Program of Eastern Suffolk BOCES, with campuses in Bellport, Oakdale, and Riverhead.

 

   

 

During a collaborative event, the dental students used a variety of toys and worksheets to demonstrate ideal brushing and flossing techniques to the youngsters. Toys included extra-large, inflatable molars; oversized toothbrushes; toy dental sets; and graphic worksheets. Next, preschoolers watched an animated video about healthy hygiene and then sat in the dental chairs for a free screening. Screenings were performed by the dental assisting teacher and the former teacher (she now works in another capacity at the school), both of whom are registered dental hygienists. “This collaboration provided my students with hands-on interaction with pediatric patients and the opportunity to learn and assist in real-time as I performed screenings,” explained Dental Assisting Teacher Tierney Marzigliano.