Lessons for patient, practitioner alike

Dental visits equal pain. At least, that's how many children view trips to the dentist.

And that's probably how a few second-graders felt this month when they walked into the dental labs of Northern Essex Community College on the school's Lawrence campus. But instead of going to the chair kicking and screaming, most got up there in a good mood (though they were a bit nervous). They sat waiting their turn, watching cartoons and movies about dental health. They played games about healthy foods and brushing. They left with free sealants.

This month, 22 Haverhill children were beneficiaries of free dental work provided by dental assistant students at the college. In addition to sealants, the children received an examination, X-rays, and fluoride work. The visit was aimed at giving Haverhill youngsters needed dental work while also presenting the college students the opportunity to work with children, said Kerin Hamidiani, coordinator of the college's dental assistant program.

"For many of these kids, it's the first time they're receiving dental care," said Hamidiani. "And for many of our students, it's their first time working with children. So, we have to make sure both sides are comfortable."

That process began weeks ago, said Hamidiani, when dental assistant students began preparing for the children's visits. The number one tip: Ease the children's fears about the dental equipment. Number two: Remind them to bite down during X-rays.

Hamidiani said the dental assistant students participate in a nine-month program, graduating only after gaining 300 hours of experience. About 30 students are in the program, said Hamidiani, many from the Lawrence area. By the time Haverhill children come for visits, the dental assistant students are close to graduating, said Hamidiani.

The college's relationship with Haverhill Public Schools began four years ago after the district's school nurse leader, Eileen Parry, contacted Hamidiani to inquire about dental work.

"She had students that needed practice," said Parry. "I had students needing sealants, so it was a win-win."

Dental sealants act as a barrier, protecting the teeth against decay-causing bacteria, according to the American Dental Association. Typically, sealants are placed to the chewing surfaces of back teeth where decay often occurs. The sealants placed inside the children's mouths are expected to stay in for at least 10 years.

Parry said that for many Haverhill students, getting sealants early is the key to prevent ing decay, especially for those who don't have dental insurance or receive regular dental care. Parry said she chooses the students to take part in the Northern Essex program after a screening process by a hygienist, and she then gets approval from parents.

Before the elementary school students visit the college, Parry said teachers spend class time telling them what to expect from the dental assistant students.

During a recent visit to Northern Essex by Tilton Elementary School second-graders, the children were greeted by a smiling drawing of a tooth on a board. The students were then ushered into a room where they were handed education material about dental health that they could color and draw on. Then they saw a film, and played a game where they pinned a tooth on a smiling mouth.

The preparation seemed to work. Hamidiani said despite the children being a bit nervous at first, there were "no tears at all" from the second-graders. In fact, Parry said one student "wanted to do it again" after receiving her sealant.

Hamidiani said while dental assistants are working on placing sealants on the children, volunteer dentists oversee the work.

She said dental assistants can make about $30,000 a year in their first job out of school.

The school's dental assistant program is one of many health-related programs that have recently been expanded at the Lawrence campus. In addition, Northern Essex Community College is planning to add and expand health programs after building a new health and technology center in downtown Lawrence. Last year, the Lawrence City Council voted to donate the In-Town Mall site to Northern Essex for the new center.

Russell Contreras can be reached at rcontreras@globe.com.