Just a few days before leaving, Marlia, Marwa, Mariama, and Roukaya had their first ever visit at the dentist. Everyone was a little nervous….everyone except fearless Roukaya who regaled the waiting room with tales of piercing her own ears! Leslie and Josephine, dental veterans, casually paged through magazines.
One by one, the girls had an appointment with Dr. Terri Tiersky. One by one, the girls climbed into the mechanized recliner, accepted the glare of the head-light, and opened wide. As shiny metal tools passed through gloved-hands and open mouths, Leslie translated/talked the patients through their visit. The Nigeriennes learned a little more about personal dental care and everyone got the chance to work on their French vocabulary, comme ‘fil dentaire’ and ‘tartre.’
At the end of their visits, the anxiety was long gone. No cavities! Marwa bickered over who got to bring home the pink toothbrush. Marlia showed Josephine how to floss. Mariama sighed. Roukaya and Leslie supervised. Everyone was smiling.
Special thanks to Dr. Terri Tiersky!!
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