Open Up And Say ‘Ah’

By Kendra Bobowick

What happens if you don’t clean your teeth?

“Cavities,” shouted several of the Newtown Congregational Church Nursery School children on a field trip to the dentist’s office February 29. David Nowacki, DMD, at 10 Queen Street asked them, “Does anyone have a cavity yet?” Apparently the discomfort of a sensitive tooth is as elusive to the children as the Tooth Fairy. From around the room they sang out, “No.”

Explaining that a dentist can fix a cavity, Dr Nowacki said, “Sometimes germs make holes in your teeth. It’s better to catch it when it’s small.” Restless with the questions about flossing and how often they brush their teeth, children wanted to see instead where the dentist did his work. Moving from his lobby and around the corner, the class, which included his daughter Sarah, squeezed into a smaller room where a reclining dentist’s chair took up most of the space. Chaperones, including Dr Nowacki’s wife Laura Nowacki, stood in the doorway as the children’s curiosity found them touching instruments, reaching for a pair of plastic teeth, or climbing into the chair.

After turning a monitor to face the group, the children’s attention was soon anchored by a transparency revealing a row of teeth. But the chair with swiveling overhead lights, a tray lined with dental instruments, and the ability to move up and down was the most fun for the group. 

Jake Neland wiggled into the seat and sat back. Dr Nowacki asked him to put on sunglasses to protect his eyes from the bright overhead light, and say, “Ah.” From the tray he pointed out a vacuum, tooth dryer, and other instruments used to fight cavities. Once Jake slipped out of the seat, the rest of the children took their turn.

School Director Kathy Murdy watched the class as some children worked the controls moving the chair up and down and others snapped open and shut the plastic model set of teeth. As Dr Nowacki laughed and explained the different tools in his office, Ms Murdy said, “They’re a wonderful family.” As a last minute request David Nowacki, with his wife’s help, welcomed the group into his office. Friday was his first time hosting a field trip.