UConn dental students teamed up with students from Tufts for a mini-medical/dental school for middle-schoolers held at the Boston Museum of Science July 13.

Dr. Michael Goupil, associate dean for students, and two fourth-year dental students, Onyinyechi Esonu and Christopher Haxhi, took part in the event organized by former UConn dental professor Melissa Ing.

The 10- to 14-year-old students were taught dental anatomy, head and neck anatomy, and suturing techniques. For safety reasons, they used blunted large quilting needles and practiced their technique on a banana. They also learned how to deal with medical emergencies and how to cast broken bones with casting equipment donated by 3M Industries.

“The goal of the event was to do something different and unique with the Museum of Science to encourage youth to consider medicine and dentistry in their future career goals,” said Ing.

UConn will be collaborating with Tufts on another kids camp at the Boston Museum of Science on August 17 called Crime Boston which will focus on dental forensics.