Spreading smiles: Student creates oral care kits for the community

Posted 1/22/25

RFHS sophomore Kaylie Cegielski says she’s always enjoyed going to the dentist.

“I was that kid who asked to have my teeth painted [with fluoride] twice. I have always loved going to …

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Spreading smiles: Student creates oral care kits for the community

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RFHS sophomore Kaylie Cegielski says she’s always enjoyed going to the dentist.

“I was that kid who asked to have my teeth painted [with fluoride] twice. I have always loved going to the dentist!” Cegielski said.

When she was required to shadow a dentist as part of a HOSA (Health Occupation Student Association) competition requirement, she expected that she would continue to learn more about the ins and outs of dentistry. What she didn’t realize is that the experience would enable her to connect surplus resources to community needs.

While job shadowing with Jensen Family Dental in Bayport, Minn., Kaylie discovered three large boxes of unopened, expired toothpaste at the dental office. She learned that dentists weren’t allowed to give out expired toothpaste tubes, but that the toothpaste still had effectiveness for up to two years.

An idea was born. What if she could assemble toothpaste kits and distribute them to those in need?

“I asked them if I could have the toothpaste boxes, and they said yes,” she said.

Cegielski spoke with RFHS staff and students to gather their ideas on how to distribute these items to those in need. She also contacted other local dentists to ask if they would be willing to contribute items for community care kits. An overwhelming ‘yes’ response was given from the six dental offices she contacted.

While assembling the kits, Cegielski realized she was short on a few items. RFHS staff and students stepped up with their own donations. In the end, she assembled 398 oral hygiene kits for adults, children, and infants, each containing items such as toothpaste, toothbrush, and dental floss.

Cegielski says her initial idea was to create holiday care packages for people who need them, but gathering and assembling them took a little longer than expected.

“Everyone thinks about toys and money and all that stuff for the holidays, but no one really thinks about hygiene. A tube of toothpaste is, what, maybe $5? It’s expensive,” she said.

She has distributed the kits to the River Falls Food Pantry, Our Neighbor’s Place, and Wiley’s Wardrobe, a free resource at River Falls High School. Nearly two-thirds of the kits were given to Catholic Charities, as well as a homeless shelter in Maplewood, Minn.

“I wanted most of the kits to go to the shelter because the people actually live there,” said Cegielski. “Hygiene care was on their list of needs.”

Cegielski’s experience showcases how career exploration can align with community service. It has confirmed her career path while exposing her to real-world healthcare challenges and the positive impact she can have on her community.

“I love everything dental! I definitely want to pursue the dental industry and become a dentist,” she said.

HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) is an international organization dedicated to preparing students for careers in healthcare. With a mission to educate, collaborate, and empower students to become leaders in the global health community, HOSA plays a vital role in shaping future healthcare professionals. At River Falls High School, the HOSA chapter boasts over 60 active members.

The School District of River Falls values community partnerships to provide students with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. To learn more about RFHS HOSA or explore partnership opportunities with the district, contact Jenny Ames at jennifer.ames@rfsd.k12.wi.us

Submitted by River Falls School District

River Falls High School, Health Occupation Student Association, Kaylie Cegielski, Spreading Smiles, dentist, River Falls, Wisconsin