Dental students from HMCC’s Medical Outreach Ministry hosted an educational session at Hikone Community Center on Tuesday October 9, 2007. Eighteen children (ages 3 to 14 years old) and three resident staff members attended this interactive teaching session on basic oral care. We spent time explaining and demonstrating proper brushing technique and emphasized the importance of flossing daily. Additionally, we went over the importance of a balanced diet and making wise food choices. The children were very eager to learn and enjoyed our time together. We hope that this will be first of many opportunities for our Dental Team to visit this center.

Here is a reflection from a dental student, Amy Laio, who was able to be apart of the clinic:

10/9/07

Today I had the opportunity to visit the Hikone Community Centre (low-income housing complex in Ann Arbor) as part of HMCC's Med Outreach team. Our team comprised mainly of dental students--my classmates and future colleagues! We did an interactive workshop for the neighbourhood kids about oral hygiene, its importance and directives on how to improve.

I was surprised to discover how much these children knew about dental care. They were smart, sociable and out-going youth. Meanwhile, I was also surprised to see how rambunctious and disruptive they were. Many of them had a hard time sitting still and had difficulty concentrating. As I caught myself in moments of frustration, it made me wonder whether or not their teachers at school or the rest of society had already given up on them. It also made me wonder how much of an impact 45 minutes could make on the lives of these kids.

Looking back on Jesus' ministry, I see that he did not just heal physical ailments, but he also provided food, taught on family issues, gave tax advice, empowered the church, healed souls, and prayed for people (among many other things). I'm thankful that our Med Outreach ministry did not end with mere toothbrushing instructions and free toothpaste. Beyond those things, we had the privilege to pray for the children and their families. We also have the privilege to partner with our local church and Mercy Ministry to help meet the families' other needs in other [transforma]"spheres".

This experience allowed me to see a bigger picture of God's heart for people, as well as caused me to reflect on and renew my purpose and vision in my studies and career path.