Ann Arbor, MI — February 14, 2011 — Dental students and other volunteers who participated in the annual Give Kids a Smile program at the U-M School of Dentistry on Feb. 5 said they enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to give back to the community.  The event at the School was sponsored by a student volunteer group, the Jonathan Taft Society, and the Washtenaw District Dental Society.  Give Kids a Smile was started by the American Dental Association in 2002.

More than 90 volunteers from the School, including dental and dental hygiene students, clinical faculty, and residents participated in providing oral exams and cleanings to children between the ages of 5 and 12.  Joining them were staff from the dental school who provided behind the scenes support along with oral health care professionals from the Washtenaw District Dental Society and the Michigan Dental Association.

Forty-seven youngsters from Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and surrounding communities received free dental screenings and cleanings.  Thirty-five children who were examined also received restorative work.

The Importance of “Giving Back”

Second-year dental student Jody Atzmon said she was impressed with the program and those who participated.  “Growing up in a rural area of Alaska, we didn’t have programs like this.  I loved the interaction with the children and the experience of being able to help them,” she said.  Her participation provided additional perspective.  “I feel that helping those in need is an important part of being a pillar of the community, which is something dentists strive to be,” Atzmon said.

David Goldberg, another second-year dental student, said he participated last year and returned this year because “it’s an opportunity to give back to the community.  When there are opportunities like this, I like to take advantage of them.”

His sentiments were echoed by second-year dental student Edward Lee.  “The Give Kids a Smile program was a wonderful opportunity for me to learn how to interact with children,” he said.  “I was very excited to be a part of this program that gives back to the community, and having the opportunity to help patients this young reminds me why I chose dentistry as my profession in the first place.”

First-year dental student Elena Petrova said she volunteered to help last year as a predental student.  “I enjoyed being here then, but it’s much more fun being able to help now that I’m a dental student.”

Oral Health Education

Third-year dental hygiene student Jenna Sherwood said this was the first time she participated.  Instead of being in clinics, however, Sherwood was in the waiting area talking to youngsters and their parents about the importance of good oral health care. 

Holding a Mr. Potato Head in one hand and a felt tip marker and oversized toothbrush in the other, she approached children and used the marker to represent bacteria accumulation on teeth.  Emphasizing the importance of brushing, Sherwood invited children to use the big toothbrush to remove the “bacteria.”

Deborah Ternes, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene from U-M in 1978, said this was her second time volunteering to participate in the Give Kids a Smile program. 

“The dental and dental hygiene students had great enthusiasm and energy throughout the program, and it showed because the patients were thrilled with the attention and interest the students showed them,” she said.  Ternes, who works for Ann Arbor Pediatric Dentistry, said she enjoyed her experiences so much “that I look forward to being there again next year.”

Kristin Ellsworth, a third-year dental student who organized this year’s program at the School, said, “I was extremely impressed by the hard work and excitement by all the volunteers.  The event not only provided important dental care to children in the community, it was also a great opportunity to educate children and parents about the importance of oral health.”