It took 70 questions, but Toomer Elementary fifth grader Jaden Jackson eventually prevailed as the winner of the 2011 Dental Quiz Bowl.
What was the 70th question? It was “Fluoride helps prevent cavities and can be found in either certain foods, water, toothpaste or in all of these?” Jaden knew that fluoride is present in all of these, including foods such as some seafood.
The DeKalb County Board of Health’s Dental Health Services sponsored the quiz bowl. The competition began in January, with over 900 students from nine elementary schools participating. The bowl required learning, then being able to recall, dozens of oral health facts.
The other finalists were first runner-up Zacchaeus Jackson from Murphey Candler, second runner-up Kayla Cressey from Indian Creek, third runner-up Madison Williams from Midway and fourth runner-up Jacob Starks from Dunwoody.
State Representative Rahn Mayo (District 91) presented the awards and emphasized how key a healthy smile is now and in the future. He reminded the students, “Having a nice smile is important for everyone, especially as you become an adult and enter the work world.”
According to the American Dental Association, dental cavities remain the most common chronic disease in children. The association’s most recent data, from 2004, indicate that 42 percent of children ages 2 to 11 years have cavities in their primary (baby) teeth. In addition, 67 percent of 16 to 19 years olds already have cavities in their permanent (adult) teeth.
For information on the DeKalb County Board of Health’s services, including dental services, call (404) 294-3700 or click here to see our dental health web page.
Finalists in 2011 Dental Quiz Bowl
The DeKalb County Board of Health’s 2011 Dental Quiz Bowl involved almost 900 elementary students, but came down to these five finalists: in the front row from left to right, first runner-up Zacchaeus Jackson from Murphey Candler, second runner-up Kayla Cressey from Indian Creek, third runner-up Madison Williams from Midway, winner Jaden Jackson from Toomer and fourth runner-up Jacob Starks from Dunwoody. Joining them are DeKalb County Board of Health Dental Health Services Director Dr. Dwayne Turner, State Representative Rahn Mayo and District Health Director Dr. S. Elizabeth Ford.