Ann Arbor, MI -- January 18, 2011 -- Dental and dental hygiene students, residents, faculty, and staff from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry will volunteer their time to provide a number of free oral health care services to children ages 5 to 12 on Saturday, February 5, as part of the American Dental Association’s annual Give Kids a Smile program.

The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the School of Dentistry at 1011 N. University Avenue on the central campus.  Doors will open at 8:30.  Parents and guardians can register their children for one of two appointment times — 9:30 a.m. to noon and 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  The program is limited to the first 100 children registered.

The dental and dental hygiene students, who will be supervised by faculty, will provide cleanings, simple fillings, X-rays, and sealants.  If necessary, some extractions may also be performed. 

Free parking will be offered on the upper level of the Fletcher Street parking structure adjacent to the School of Dentistry.  Parents or guardians bringing a child will use the up ramp, pull a ticket from the machine, and park on the plaza.  No payment will be due, however.

Give Kids a Smile is hosted by the U-M School of Dentistry and the Washtenaw District Dental Society.  For more information, call the U-M School of Dentistry at (734) 763-6933 or (888) 707-2500.