University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Give Kids a Smile
The College of Dentistry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center recently participated in the annual Give Kids a Smile Day, where they provided free dental services to almost 100 children from Freedom Preparatory Academy in Memphis.
Launched as an initiative in 2003, by the American Dental Association to provide free dental services to underserved children, Give Kids a Smile raises awareness nationally about the importance of oral health to overall health, and about the staggering need that exists among millions of children who go without care. Each year, approximately 6,500 dentists and 30,000 dental team members volunteer at local Give Kids a Smile events to provide free oral health education, screenings, and preventive and restorative treatment to over 300,000 children.
UTHSC College of Dentistry has participated annually in Give Kids a Smile - for roughly a decade now. Fourth-year dental and dental hygiene students performed procedures under the supervision of faculty, including examinations, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and fluoride applications. The event “allows us to increase access to care to children from neighborhoods where that access may be limited, and at the same time, it increases our visibility in the city and in those neighborhoods represented by the schools and children engaged in the program,” said Orpheus Triplett, DDS, assistant dean for Community Oral Health and Outreach for the college. “It is a win-win for all, and the student interaction from both entities is invaluable.”
Previously, the event has served students from sixth through eighth grades and expanded this year to include high school students as well from the Flagship Middle School and Brownlee Middle School campuses of Freedom Preparatory Academy. “This later-teen age group is preparing to transition to adulthood and their oral hygiene techniques need to evolve from their childhood practices,” said Cassandra Christiansen, RDH, MPA, EdD, associate professor and director of School-Based Programs and Community Outreach for the College of Dentistry. “This is a perfect time to provide individualized oral hygiene instruction that meets the specific needs of each student.”
"Freedom Prep Charter Schools is honored to continue growing our partnership with UTHSC,” said Alexis Rosado, senior manager of Development & External Affairs for the school. “The support from the UTHSC staff, students, and volunteers allows our students to feel safe, seen, and empowered by the Greater Memphis community. Together, we work with families to transform their lives one smile and graduate at a time."
To learn more about the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, visit uthsc.edu.