By Nick Dube

Health

Seal in a Smile Campaign a big success for all involved

May 15, 2025 | 4:20 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — The College of New Caledonia dental office was packed with elementary students and confident dental assistant undergrads Wednesday as the annual Seal in a Smile campaign returned.

The campaign which has been running for over 20 years aims to provide essential dental care and education to local children, many of whom face barriers accessing oral health. Dental assistant students from CNC benefit as they gain valuable in-field experience such as learning to work with children of different ages, providing guidance and working in a stressful environment.

For CNC dental assistant student Rachel educating the children and in turn spreading the message to those who may not have access is a important part of the program. Rachel said ” Kids are the first step in the prevention process. So I hope that everything we teach them about brushing their teeth and flossing, they can go home and share with any siblings that they have or friends in their class that maybe didn’t have the opportunity to come here today.”

For other students like Navjot who is also a CNC dental assistant student the information being provided is new and valuable. Coming from parts of the word which have no access to these services she wants to spread the message while continuing her own growing education. Navjot said ” So coming here, seeing that as a part is a great value to know how to take care of your teeth, because that has never been a part of my life. So that’s a big one for myself and I think more like me, but also agree that that also happens, that we never taught or sometimes we know, but we don’t know how to do it correctly. This program really help knowing that part.”

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Principal of Peden Hill Elementary Harmon Kailay said it was exciting to be chosen as the recipient school for this years project and feels this will build confidence in the children while strengthening the connection between students and the dental care system. Kailay said “I’ve seen students walk out of here. With respect to getting their dental work done. And when they walk out, they walk out confident about their health, demystifying the whole experience, about getting their teeth cleaned, getting the fluoride put on, getting all sorts of procedures done here. So when they walk out, they’re extremely confident about going to the dentist. And that helps build, a lifelong practice of wanting to take care of their their dental hygiene.”

For Peden Hill elementary student Ryaan the day taught him a lot about dental care and said “I learned about brushing your teeth every day and night. It’s important for your teeth.” The Seal in a Smile campaign is a collaboration between CNC, Northern Health, School District 57, and Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation.