Mr. Joseph Abraham, a student at the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health, is coordinating a dental sealant project at John C. Webb Elementary School in Navasota, TX on November 9 from 8:15-11 a.m. and 12-3 p.m. Mr. Abraham, a formally trained dentist from India, is leading the project as part of his practicum for his master of public health degree. Ms. Laura Windwehen is the preceptor for the project.

The dental sealant project is a collaboration of the HSC-SRPH, Brazos Valley Health Partnership, Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Blinn College Dental Hygiene Program, and Navasota Independent School District. Dr. William Gray, the DSHS regional dentist, will be on site to place sealants and provide a fluoride varnish on as many as 70 children. Student hygienists from the Blinn College Dental Hygiene Program, under the direction of Blinn faculty member Ms. Dana Wood, will help Dr. Gray in placing the sealants and varnish.

"Reaching the community is one of the major goals of public health. I am hopeful that this project will help to create dental health awareness in children and in the community," said Mr. Abraham.

"I am thankful for all the partners, community leaders, organizations, and SRPH faculty for their continuous support and encouragement. Their collaborative efforts have made this project possible."

The DSHS will provide "goody bags" containing toothpaste, toothbrush and floss for the students on the day of dental sealant project. Students will receive dental sealant booklets, along with instructions on oral hygiene and proper brushing techniques. Ms. Melody Wilde of Patterson Dental in Houston will help in providing dental sealants materials and kids’ toothbrushes. Mr. Bert Miller, the chair of the Grimes Health Resource Commission and Mayor of Navasota, has offered to purchase a meal for the dental sealant project volunteers.