Written by: Hannah Bae
Media contact: Savannah Koplon
The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Department of Pediatric Dentistry hosted its annual volunteer initiative Give Kids A Smile® at the Sidney B. Finn Pediatric Dentistry Clinic on Feb. 15. Event volunteers provided free, accessible dental care to 49 qualifying local children in need.
The event raises awareness of the epidemic of untreated dental disease, while also enabling those who may not otherwise receive regular dental care the dental attention they needed.
“Dental disease is incredibly common in children, and many children receive no dental services throughout the year,” said Cecilia Cheon, DMD, assistant professor of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry. “We host Give Kids A Smile® events annually to alleviate local access problems and to build great relationships with those community members.”
Patients, ranging in ages from 4-17, received dental services such as dental education, diagnoses and treatment planning, emergency care, and cleanings. More than 40 volunteers assisted in the charitable event.
GKAS was launched nationally by the American Dental Association Foundation in 2003.