Going to the dentist is never a cheap trip, but thanks to NSU’s College of Dental Medicine, parents were able to save some money on basic dental procedures. Graduate students in the college provided pro-bono dental screenings, exams and preventative treatments at Give Kids a Smile Day on Feb. 5.
The event treated approximately 750 special needs patients and children between the ages of 2 and 18. The ADA Foundation selected NSU, out of 1,500 sites in the U.S., to host the kick-off event for the Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) Day program on Friday because of the university’s efforts.
Linda Niessen, dean of the College of Dental Medicine, said that every year, the program provides dental services to hundreds of children, and that many of those cared for have never visited the dentist.
“This student-led program engages faculty, staff and community members who serve as volunteers in the day’s events, enabling our students to realize their leadership potential,” she said in a press release. “GKAS also teaches our College of Dental Medicine students the power of giving back to the community, which is a core value of NSU.”
In previous years, the college partnered with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County and other community organizations; this year, they extended their reach to Broward County Public Schools, which brought individuals from eight elementary schools in Broward. The principals of the schools estimated that this was the first form of dental care for almost 80 percent of the children at their schools.
Kelly Cundy, fourth year dental student and co-coordinator of the event, said that educating the children about dental care made their hard work worthwhile.
“It was heartwarming to see the students come into our clinic with big smiles and leave with even bigger ones,” she said.
Attendees could meet players and cheerleaders from the Miami Dolphins and Florida Panthers and enjoy face painting, balloon artists, music and mascots from various movies, such as “Star Wars,” “Frozen,” and “Timmy the Tooth.”
GKAS is a national event celebrated annually on the first Friday in February. The kick-off event is the first of another 1,500 events set to take place throughout the year at different locations. While some of these events will be similar to the one held at NSU, some will be smaller, offering pro-bono care from individual dentists. Approximately 300,000 children are anticipated to receive oral care services in 2016.
Reneida Reyes, president of ADA, said in a press release that GKAS has worked to improve oral care for children for 14 years and that the main mission of the foundation is to educate individuals and provide access to dental care.
“Since its inception, we estimate that more than five million children have been educated about the importance of good oral health care,” she said. “And many of those same children have had access to basic oral care at GKAS events.”
