Power of SUNY

UB Dental School Gives Kids a Smile

Children from across Western New York who have limited or no access to dental care received free treatment in February 2011 at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine's 10th annual "Give Kids a Smile" day. Video of images of UB Smile Day is available on YouTube.

Approximately 500 public school children, including those from the Bethel Head Start centers, were scheduled to receive a free dental exam, fluoride treatment, x-rays, sealant and oral hygiene instruction.

UB's award-winning Teddy Bear clinic provided health education hands-on activities, dental videos, games, oral hygiene instruction and visits by local sports mascots for the 300 Bethel Head Start children and their parents while they waited for their dental appointments.

The UB dental school gave each child a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and instructions on how to keep their teeth healthy. Limited restorative dental work also was provided, as well as additional treatment or consultation as needed.

Several hundred volunteers, including UB dental school faculty, staff and students; the Eighth District Dental Society's private dentists and their staffs; and students and faculty from Erie Community College's Dental Hygiene Program and the UB Educational Opportunity Center's Dental Assisting Program, helped with the day's events and services.