On February 20, first-year dental students from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry made an early impact beyond the classroom, bringing oral health education to students at Roundstone Elementary in Rockcastle County. Through hands-on activities, interactive lessons, and meaningful conversations, the outreach event aimed to promote healthy habits while inspiring the next generation to think about careers in health care.
Organized by members of the Class of 2029, the visit was rooted in a shared commitment to service—especially in rural communities where access to oral health education can be limited. “At UKCD, we're reminded constantly how important it is to give back to communities in Kentucky, and that played a big role in inspiring this event,” said D1 student and Class President Donte Reed. “In rural Kentucky, this is overlooked a lot, so going to this area was extremely important.”
Students designed a variety of engaging stations to make oral health education both fun and memorable. Activities included reading sessions, play-doh tooth modeling, vocabulary-building exercises, and demonstrations on proper brushing techniques. One particularly creative lesson compared tooth decay to an apple rotting over time—helping students visualize the importance of daily oral hygiene. Malawy noted the students’ enthusiasm throughout the activities, adding, “The students were engaged, excited, and had lots of questions for us to answer.”
For many of the dental students, the experience reinforced the importance of meeting patients where they are—both geographically and educationally. Reece Sherrard noted that conversations with students revealed gaps in oral health habits that often begin at home. “Many children only brush once a day and say their parents do the same,” he said. “This highlights the importance of dentists educating parents . . . so they can pass these habits and knowledge down to their children.”
The visit also created moments of connection that left a lasting impression on both the elementary students and the future dentists. Reed recalled the “Tooth Ninja” activity as a standout moment, where students demonstrated what they had learned by identifying ways to fight cavities. “Seeing that the information we taught was received… showed in real time how impactful the event was,” he said. Malawy echoed that sentiment, adding that watching students apply their knowledge “reminded me why I love dental public health and using the gifts that we can offer to change the lives of children in our community.” She also emphasized the importance of building trust through connection, noting that “true changes are made when you can meet someone on a personal level.”
Beyond oral health education, the outreach event introduced young students to future career possibilities. By interacting with dental students, children were able to see themselves in roles they may not have previously considered. “Many young students, especially in rural areas, may not know about the careers that healthcare offers,” Sherrard said. “Exposing them to different careers is a great first step.”
For the UK College of Dentistry students, the experience served as a powerful reminder of their purpose—and a call to action. “We need to get out there,” Sherrard said. “We are lucky enough to receive an incredible education, and we need to spread what we learn as far as we can. The future of oral health is in our hands.” Malawy emphasized the importance of personal connection in improving health outcomes and also reflected on the broader lesson of the experience, noting that “not every student has the advantage of learning and practicing oral hygiene at home,” reinforcing the importance of outreach in bridging those gaps.
As UKCD continues to prepare future oral health professionals, experiences like the Roundstone Elementary outreach event highlight the role dentists can play far beyond the clinic—educating communities, inspiring young minds, and advancing health across the Commonwealth.