On February 26, the University of Alabama at Birmingham's School of Dentistry hosted its annual volunteer initiative Give Kids A Smile® at the Sidney B. Finn Pediatric Dentistry Clinic. Event volunteers provided free, accessible dental care to 42 qualifying local children in need. Services included dental education, screenings, cleanings, X-rays, and sealants.
Two dental students proving dental care to a child at Give Kids A Smile.The event raises awareness of the epidemic of untreated dental disease while enabling those who may not otherwise receive regular dental care to get the attention they need. While awaiting their turn with the dentist, children were treated to face painting and other activities.
“This is part of a nationwide initiative that we participate in each year,” said Lina Soler-Ballman, DDS, a pediatric dentist and program coordinator for the event. “Most of these children have not seen a dentist at all in their lives or very few times. They have needs but have gotten lost in the system because of lack of information and difficulty finding care. Our overall goal is to provide education and information on where to go and how to access care.”
Vashti Convers, a third-year dental student and event coordinator, echoed the importance of education and making it a positive experience to visit the dentist.
“We want to educate patients about their daily habits that affect their dental health, and to give our patients an idea of what’s going on in their mouth and provide treatment plans,” said Convers. “My favorite part is interacting with kids to alleviate their fears and get them excited about going to the dentist. You can talk to them, interact with them, even use face painting and toys to help them have a great experience going to the dentist.”
Soler-Ballman said the plan is to follow up with the families on how they can position themselves for services in the future.
Convers added, “Dental students, residents, and faculty contributed to this event. When students get into dental school, they want to contribute, so it’s a way our students can contribute to a greater good for our community. I am very grateful to have the faculty, and the amount of volunteers and patients we had to make this event a success.”