PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Two Berkshire Community College (BCC) faculty members, assistant professors of nursing Julia Gallagher and Jennifer Charbonneau, recently offered "train the trainer" sessions at Berkshire County Arc (BCArc) highlighting the importance of oral hygiene in the population they serve.  

 

BCArc offers a broad range of community-based services to individuals with developmental disabilities, brain injuries and autism.

 

Brandon Page, a training specialist at BCArc who worked with BCC to coordinate the training sessions, explained that BCArc trains staff on skills related to maintaining healthy boundaries and teaching individuals with disabilities to make good decisions, in addition to understanding and working with behavioral situations. 

 

"BCArc reached out asking if we would consider providing in-service training for their staff. We, of course, love these opportunities to work with our community," said Lori Moon, BCC Dean of Nursing, Health and Wellness. 

 

 Moon explained that BCArc was looking for education on why oral care is important; how to approach adults who do not want to brush their teeth; techniques for brushing, flossing and gum care; options other than brushing for oral hygiene; care of dentures; and what to report when inspecting oral mucosa.  

 

"This was a great way for us to be in the community building partnerships," Moon said.  

 

"Jen and I had a delightful time out in the community with the BCArc staff providing ‘training for trainers' about good oral care and hygiene. It is so important to provide or assist others in providing their own mouth care," said Gallagher, noting that good mouth care is essential for many things, from preventing bad breath to helping prevent infections that can affect and potentially harm the whole body. "The staff at BCArc were so receptive, engaged and enthusiastic.   We are so pleased to have been invited to BCArc and collaborate on this project."