ADHA Access — July 2012
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Strive Special
Brittney Clark is in her final semester of dental hygiene school at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College in Asheville, N.C. Her peers and instructors are proud to have her represent A-B Tech as Miss North Carolina International. Brittney was crowned Miss Asheville in November 2010 and Miss North Carolina International in March 2011. Throughout her reign, Brittney’s platform has focused on promoting awareness of children’s oral health. Her future plans are to work as a dental hygienist in a pediatric office within the Asheville area, as well as to support service, education and research to advance the oral health of infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs.
Sabrina Gilbert: How long have you been competing in pageants?
Brittney Clark: I actually started competing in pageants when I was two years old, and competed until I was five. I decided that I didn’t like the dressing up, and wanted to play sports instead! Throughout my school years I played basketball, softball and volleyball, and believe it or not, I did not compete again until 2010.
SG: What has been your most memorable moment since you won the crown?
BC: My most memorable moment since I was crowned Miss North Carolina International was flying to New York City by myself and staying in Times Square. I had been awarded the title of the Goodwill Ambassador for the “Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children” Foundation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and I went to attend their annual meeting. It is such an honor for me to represent them, and there is no greater feeling than making an impact on children’s lives!
SG: Do you feel like your title has given you a stronger voice to represent children regarding their oral health?
BC: Throughout my experiences as Miss North Carolina, I have made several appearances in schools, after-school programs, sealant clinics, seminars and The ToothBus Mission Children’s Mobile Dental Clinic. I truly feel that my crown has given me a stronger voice on advocating the importance of children’s oral health.
SG: We have all heard of the Vaseline trick; have you ever used this during one of your competitions?
BC: Yes, I have heard of the Vaseline trick. It is on the pageant checklist to help you smile more easily. I think it is more tradition than anything else. I, however, have not used this for any of my competitions.
Sabrina Gilbert is a dental hygiene student at Ashville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, N.C.
The faculty mentor for this edition of Strive Special is Marilee Bush, RDH, BSDH, Ashville-Buncombe Technical Community College and national advocate for pediatric dental health.
Related Links
A-B Tech Community College, Asheville, NC, Dental Hygiene Program www1.abtech.edu/content/allied-dental-programs/dental-program-orientation- program-information-and-forms
Mission Children’s Hospital, Asheville, NC, The ToothBus http://www.missionhospitals.org/toothbus
The Foundation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Healthy Smiles, Health Children www.aapd.org/foundation/
Sabrina Gilbert: How long have you been competing in pageants?
Brittney Clark: I actually started competing in pageants when I was two years old, and competed until I was five. I decided that I didn’t like the dressing up, and wanted to play sports instead! Throughout my school years I played basketball, softball and volleyball, and believe it or not, I did not compete again until 2010.
SG: What has been your most memorable moment since you won the crown?
BC: My most memorable moment since I was crowned Miss North Carolina International was flying to New York City by myself and staying in Times Square. I had been awarded the title of the Goodwill Ambassador for the “Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children” Foundation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and I went to attend their annual meeting. It is such an honor for me to represent them, and there is no greater feeling than making an impact on children’s lives!
SG: Do you feel like your title has given you a stronger voice to represent children regarding their oral health?
BC: Throughout my experiences as Miss North Carolina, I have made several appearances in schools, after-school programs, sealant clinics, seminars and The ToothBus Mission Children’s Mobile Dental Clinic. I truly feel that my crown has given me a stronger voice on advocating the importance of children’s oral health.
SG: We have all heard of the Vaseline trick; have you ever used this during one of your competitions?
BC: Yes, I have heard of the Vaseline trick. It is on the pageant checklist to help you smile more easily. I think it is more tradition than anything else. I, however, have not used this for any of my competitions.
Sabrina Gilbert is a dental hygiene student at Ashville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, N.C.
The faculty mentor for this edition of Strive Special is Marilee Bush, RDH, BSDH, Ashville-Buncombe Technical Community College and national advocate for pediatric dental health.
Related Links
A-B Tech Community College, Asheville, NC, Dental Hygiene Program www1.abtech.edu/content/allied-dental-programs/dental-program-orientation- program-information-and-forms
Mission Children’s Hospital, Asheville, NC, The ToothBus http://www.missionhospitals.org/toothbus
The Foundation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Healthy Smiles, Health Children www.aapd.org/foundation/
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