The Tribune

By FELICITY DARVILLE

An often overlooked but vital part of overall health is the health of the mouth. And because it is often neglected, two registered dental hygienists are on a mission to raise awareness of dental hygiene in the Bahamas with an aim to decrease the amount of oral health issues that exist.

Jewel Cooper and Donnette Sands are using social media, personal appearances, and any other avenue they can find to promote dental hygiene and oral health education. For this reason, they formed The Hygiene Loft in April 2017.

This month, the pair visited the Bilney Lane Children’s Home as they continue to spread their message. Noting that February is known as National Children’s Dental Health Month, they decided to gift the children of the home with electronic spin toothbrushes to set them on the right path for good oral health throughout life. Ms Cooper and Ms Sands did a demonstration for the kids before gifting them with the brushes and information booklets.

“We decided to visit the Bilney Lane Children’s home, a small home of kids with special needs, because spin brushes are known to decrease dental cavities and gum disease, especially for children with dexterity issues and special needs who may not be brushing properly,” Ms Cooper told Tribune Health.

Director of the children’s home, Sherry Williams, welcomed the gift package and promised that the staff would guide the children in using the new toothbrushes.

The Hygiene Loft was conceived the two women, both clinically active dental hygienists who are passionate about helping people attain overall health, wellness and beauty, knowing that oral health plays a paramount role.

Ms Cooper, a graduate of the University of Technology in Jamaica, has 14 years experience in the dental industry, serving as a dental assistant before becoming an entrepreneur with her partner. Ms Sands has eight years experience in private dental practice on both New Providence and Spanish Wells, Eleuthera. She obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry at Xavier University of Louisiana and also holds an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene from Miami Dade College.

“Our commitment as dental innovators is to execute our dental hygiene knowledge and oral care products through social and multimedia technology as well as community oriented services with a contemporary and chic flair,” said Ms Cooper.