This picture was when I traveled with a few of my other classmates to the Eastern Shore’s Head Start Program, where we screened preschoolers from the ages of one years old to 5 years old for suspicious areas of decay and applied fluoride varnish. I learned a lot throughout this experience with not only the age but the ethnicity which I was working with. In ODU’s Dental clinic, we are not allowed to see children younger than 5 years old, but out in the community I saw one year olds. The children also came from a hispanic background and did not speak english, which was a challenge at first but I was able to overcome it by using common gestures,  a children’s puppet, and a translator. This experience further helped me develop working in a team structure and make decisions and solve problems. Without a translator, I would not have been able to provide the best quality of care or communicate as thoroughly as most of the children were scared and some had never been to the dentist before. I also needed some of my fellow classmates and other workers to hold the babies, so I could examine their mouths. When I came to the realization that the kids did not speak english and were scared, I decided to bring out the children's puppet. The puppet is a big stuffed animal with teeth. I used it to show the kids what I was going to do and what I wanted them to do, such as open their mouths. Not only did I allow the kids to hold the puppet because they were scared, but I also allowed them to hold my instruments such as my mirror. I wanted to allow the children to feel the and see the mirror so they felt more comfortable when I used it. They could see for themselves that it wasn't sharp and it didn't hurt. The kids not being able to speak english and being scare posed a problem for me not being able to examine them but I was able to use the resources around me such as my team, the puppet, and show-tell-do method and was able to cal the kids down, communicate with them, and solve the problem. I learned that each age is different with how you communicate and what they can understand. To be the best hygienist I need to make sure I am using the appropriate words. As a future hygienist this experience was helpful, because I was presented with a different set of demographics than I was used to in the clinic, giving me experience with younger children. I now am more comfortable and knowledgeable in seeing children and can be prepared when they come into my office. This will help me become a better hygienist by diversifying my communication skills and enhancing my problem-solving skills.