Give Kids A Smile brings dental care and education to the local community
Through its annual outreach event, HSDM delivered comprehensive dental services to children in the community while reinforcing its commitment to prevention and access to care.
Colorful toothbrushes, animal-themed costumes, and laughter filled the halls of the Harvard Dental Center as children, ages one to 17, arrived to receive free dental care and learn about oral health. Accompanied by their families, nearly 50 young patients, attended the popular Give Kids a Smile event hosted by Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) on Saturday, February 28.
HSDM students served as dental providers, assistants, and oral health education volunteers throughout the event. Children received routine exams, cleanings, and X-rays, with care delivered under the supervision of HSDM faculty, Harvard Dental Center staff, and Advanced Graduate Education (AGE) residents.
GKAS is an important reminder of how much accessible dental care matters for the children in our community. I feel very fortunate to be part of a community at HSDM that is so committed to supporting and caring for our youngest patients.
Members of HSDM’s Pediatric Dentistry club led oral health education activities, teaching young patients proper brushing and flossing techniques.
In addition to learning about positive oral health habits, a face painting station and goodie bags were also included in the festivities.
Students from Natick Public Schools attended the event, where they received dental exams, cleanings, and hands-on oral health education.
Student lead organizers Sabrina Del Valle, DMD27, Brendon Anderson, DMD27, and Janaki Chandra, DMD28, with HSDM faculty member Maritza Morell
GKAS is such a special event because we’re not only providing dental care, we’re also shaping, in some cases, a child’s very first experience with a dentist. Experiences like this can set kids up for a lifetime of dental care and show them that their oral health matters.