GSDM Volunteers See Record Turnout at Give Kids a Smile Program

The Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) chapter of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) provided free, interactive dental education to approximately 200 children between the ages of 7 and 12 at the Yawkey Club of Roxbury, a Boys and Girls Club of Boston, Tuesday, March 31, 2015.

The GSDM chapter of ASDA works with the Office of Global and Population Health to host the event each year as part of Give Kids a Smile, a nationwide initiative co-sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA). The ADA launched the Give Kids A Smile program nationally in 2003 as a way for dentists across the country to join with others in their community to provide dental services to underserved children. The program initially began as a one-day event in February, but has since grown to local and national events year-round. Dentists and other team members volunteer their time and services, to provide screenings, treatments, and education to children throughout the United States. Each year, approximately 350,000 children benefit from more than 1,500 events, because of the efforts of 40,000 or more annual volunteers.

At the March event, children visited five dental themed tables to learn about proper brushing and flossing; healthy eating; tooth protection such as mouth guards, fluoride, and sealants; smoking and oral piercing; and careers in dental medicine.

With around 200 visitors, this year’s program was twice as popular as it has been in prior years. Oral Health Promotion Director Ms. Kathy Lituri said, “For the first time in all the years we have participated in this program, we actually ran out of goody bags!” She continued, “The program was a huge success and I was thrilled to see every child totally engaged with the students.”

Thanks to all the students who organized and participated in the Give Kids A Smile Program: Nicolas Branshaw DMD 16; John Costello DMD 16; Tien Do DMD 18; Jenny Kye DMD 16; Lana Le DMD 16; Jina Lee DMD 16; Alyssa Mazzoli DMD 16; Vrushali Mirajkhar AS 16; Mona Najafi DMD 16; Mike Navy DMD 16; Jenny Ng DMD 16; Jeremy Ngyuen DMD 18; Luis Perez DMD 18; Michelle Prieto DMD 16; Richa Rashmi AS 15; Daniella Rizzo DMD 16; Megan Sullivan DMD 18; Nobiru Suzuki DMD 18; Mike Whitcomb DMD 16; Amanda Yip DMD 16; and Moaz Zanbarakji (Pre-Dental).

Photos are available on Facebook and Flickr.