UFCD and UF Student Chapter of AAWD Host Girl Scouts Dental Health Patch Day

UFCD and the UF student chapter of AAWD hosted Girl Scouts Dental Health Patch Day at the college March 18.

The University of Florida College of Dentistry and the student chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) played host to Girl Scouts Dental Health Patch Day March 18 at the college.

Girl Scouts Dental Health Patch Day highlights the importance of dental hygiene through a number of engaging activities. Florida’s AAWD taught the Girl Scouts dentistry, along with a strong sense of self, nutrition, oral hygiene, and reinforced other goals Girl Scouts promote. Thirteen members of UF’s student AAWD chapter volunteered to be a part of last weekend’s event, and 13 Girls Scouts attended. The annual program drew participants from as far away as Jacksonville.

UFCD Dean A. Isabel Garcia, D.D.S., M.P.H., was on hand at the event to deliver a special message to the Girl Scouts and their families about the importance of community dentistry and paying back the community whose tax dollars support the only state-funded dental school in Florida.

Each Girl Scout left with a toothbrush goody bag in hand, a shiny new dental patch to add to her vest, and mouth full of knowledge about the importance of dental hygiene.

According to its national website, Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Thus, oral health is a recognized part of the Girl Scout philosophy in building happy and healthy girls since 1912. Every year since its inception, Girl Scouts has helped girls discover their strengths, passions, and talents.