An appointment is not necessary. The mouth guards will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. However, because of the time needed to make the protective equipment, only 120 mouth guards will be made.

Mouth guards are vital not only for athletes playing football, ice hockey, but also for those who play soccer, basketball, or who bicycle, skateboard, rollerblade, or ski downhill. “A proper fitting mouth guard, such as the ones that will be made that day, acts as a shock absorber,” said Dr. William Godwin, U-M professor emeritus of dentistry and sports dentistry specialist. “The mouth guard blunts the force of impact caused by falls or contact that occurs. Not only does a properly fitting mouth guard save teeth, it also helps minimize head and neck injuries, such as concussions and jaw fractures.”

What to Expect

When they arrive, athletes or the parents of children will be asked to fill out a medical history form and will then be assigned a number. When called, the athlete will also be asked what color of mouth guard they would like and if they want a strap attached to it.

Each athlete will then spend about 15 or 20 minutes in a dental chair as student dentists take an impression. Because the program is popular, there could be a wait of 30 minutes for a chair, depending on the size of the crowd.

Once the impression has been taken, an athlete or their parent(s) will be able to pick up the finished product about two hours later. However, before leaving, the athlete will try on the mouth guard, in the presence of a student dentist or dental hygienist supervised by a faculty member, to ensure the fit is proper. Any final adjustments will be made, if necessary, at that time.

The mouth guard program is now in its 16th year and is funded by a grant from the late Dr. Samuel D. Harris, a 1924 graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. U-M School of Dentistry faculty and students, as well as several local dentists, volunteer their time. Schools are invited to send their athletic trainers to receive instruction in the proper use of mouth guards.

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry is one of the nation’s leading dental schools engaged in oral health care education, research, patient care, and community service. General dental care clinics and specialty clinics providing advanced treatment enable the School to offer dental services and programs to patients throughout Michigan. Classroom and clinic instruction prepare future dentists, dental specialists, and dental hygienists for practice in private offices, hospitals, academia, and public agencies. Research seeks to discover and apply new knowledge that can help patients worldwide.

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