Ann Arbor, MI — February 14, 2008 — About 90 dental and dental hygiene students, pediatric residents, faculty, and staff from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry teamed up Feb. 2 to Give Kids a Smile.

The annual event, a cornerstone of the national Children's Dental Health Month since 2002, involves members of the oral health community working together to provide dental care and education to children from families who do not have access to care or who are unable to pay for treatment.

Sixty dental students, 15 dental hygiene students, 6 pediatric residents, a pediatric resident, and 26 predental students participated, according to Andrea Fraser, a third-year dental student who organized the dental school's efforts. Dental and dental hygiene faculty were also involved as were staff who helped with registration, dispensing, and records.

"The Amount of Work...Our Most Ever"

Fifty-seven children received oral exams, Fraser said. Most needed additional care which included 23 fluoride treatments, 19 fillings, 9 extractions, 9 stainless steel crowns, and 7 sealants. "The amount of work we did was, by far, our most ever," she said.

Whether they participated in previous years, or for the first time, students said they enjoyed themselves.

"This is my third year helping out, and I've enjoyed it every time," said dental student Phyllis Odoom who added "this year's program was very well organized."

First-time participants shared those sentiments.

"I thought this would be a great experience and a great chance to give something back to the community and interact with the kids," said second-year dental student Brittany Mailloux.

Another second-year dental student, Katie Knauf, echoed those sentiments. "I wanted to help in any way I could. This was a great way to give back to those who are in need," she said.

Fraser said several youngsters who were patients last year returned this year to receive the follow-up care or treatment that was recommended a year earlier. "Fortunately, their needs were not urgent, so we were able to help them when they returned," she said.

Some parents and guardians began arriving an hour before the students began their work. When it ended, they expressed their appreciation.

"This is a great thing the dental school is doing, and we appreciate everything that's being done to help those in need," said Jaami Muhammad whose two daughters were among those present.

Another parent, Amanda Edwards, said this was the first time her 6-year-old son, Tie'von Johnson, had been to a dentist. "When I asked him what he liked most, he told me, 'the coolest part was the ride on the dental chair and being on it as it moved up and down'," she said with a laugh.

Besides the care, Fraser said education was another important mission for students. "Hopefully, both the kids and the parents or guardians, left with a higher level of understanding about the importance of good oral health and the ways to achieve it," she said.

According to the American Dental Association, more than 758,000 children have been treated nationally at more than 2,250 locations since the Give Kids a Smile program began.

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© 2006 University of Michigan School of Dentistry