MSSU dental hygiene students helping area children - KOAM TV 7

February is Children's Dental Health months and Missouri Southern students are learning how to care for just such patients.

The university's dental clinic is a hands on training ground for future dental hygienists.  They're trained to use a different kind of language with children to help make them comfortable.

The students first learn on mannequins but then use their skills on patients of all ages.

Students say they like the transition.

"It's exciting and fun to jump from a mannequin to a live patient, plus I think it's a lot easier because they have saliva and it's a lot easier to move around rather than having to look into a dry mouth," says Alexis Davis, a senior at MSSU.

Dental hygiene students will go to Jasper and Pierce City schools this month offering free screenings and fluoride varnishes.