SBU School of Dental Medicine “Give Kids A Smile” Day Provides Free Dental Care, Education
Ronald McDonald Joins Event Celebrating Children’s Dental Health
August 2016 – On August 23, the School of Dental Medicine at Stony Brook University will provide free dental screening, cleanings, fluoride treatment and oral health education to hundreds of children at “Give Kids A Smile” Day. The event is the centerpiece of the American Dental Association (ADA) National Children’s Dental Health Month.
Sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA), "Give Kids A Smile" is traditionally the one day centerpiece event in February at dental care locations nationwide celebrating the ADA’s National Children’s Dental Health Month. Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine recognizes the importance of dental care for children and has expanded to offer this free program twice a year, in February and August. The event is part of a campaign to provide dental care and promote the importance of oral health to children who might not have ready access due to their economic status. Many families on Long Island do not have adequate dental insurance or the means to provide for proper preventive care for their children.
“Each year the School of Dental Medicine looks forward to 'Give Kids A Smile Day'. Our school overflows with children from all over Long Island who come to receive some of the finest dental care available,” says Mary Truhlar, Dean, Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine. “I thank the faculty, staff and students of our school for their generous and enthusiastic participation in this very special day.”
This year children will be able to show their bright smiles to a special guest – Ronald McDonald. As part of McDonald’s corporate support of "Give Kids A Smile" Day, Ronald McDonald will be walking about the Dental Center, giving thumbs up to participants, and entertaining the kids.
According to the ADA, each year over 500,000 children are treated at more than 1,500 locations across the nation during the February "Give Kids A Smile" Day. The School of Dental Medicine at SBU has participated in the program since its inception in 2002.
In addition to dental screening, SBU School of Dental Medicine students, residents, faculty, staff and dental health professionals from the Suffolk County Dental Society, will provide cleaning, fluoride treatment, and oral health education to all children during the event.
To schedule an appointment or obtain more information, please call (631) 632-8843 (weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
Walk-ins will be accepted if time permits. Each child participating in the event must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
