Leanne’s BrightBites volunteering story
I’ve been working in dental for 18 years now and the best thing about being a BrightBites volunteer is being able to educate children in my passion, which is oral health.
I’ve noticed an immediate impact on children after a session, especially when they are shocked by the amount of sugar in drinks. Hopefully they take that message home and remember to have these drinks only occasionally and at mealtimes.
A moment when I really felt I’d made a difference was during a session where I read the story Sugar Bug Doug. Later, when I see teachers or even parents in our local area, they tell me how much the children talk about the story and how they are ‘brushing Doug away’. That’s when I know the message has really landed and that I’m making a difference.
There have also been some memorable and funny moments, particularly when I show the presentation slide about sugar in drinks. Lots of children say “my mum or dad drinks Coke” and I remember one child saying “my dad likes wine”, which made me laugh as I know the dad well.
Oral health education is so important for children because day to day living is expensive and sugar-filled foods are often cheaper than fresh fruit and vegetables. I’ve also learnt that brushing twice a day for two minutes is not always a priority for some families. That’s why support to help us spread this message is vital in keeping future children and adults dentally educated.