Deborah Simmers performs a dental check in 2022.
Area kids can have free dental work performed Friday, Feb. 3 at the East Carolina University Dental Community Service Learning Center in Spruce Pine.
The learning center’s services are part of its involvement in the nationwide “Give Kids a Smile” initiative– a 19-year-old partnership between the American Dental Association and dental vendors that gives children complementary comprehensive dental exams, cleanings, treatment plans and X-rays.
Service Learning Center Business Services Coordinator Gene Self said children who are not covered by dental insurance or have never visited a dentist are the target audience but all kids aged 1-10 are welcome.
“Our goal is that no child in our community is without care for their teeth,” Self said.
This year will mark the fifth time the center has had the event in its office on the Blue Ridge Regional Hospital campus rather than bringing the services to local schools. Self said having the event in the office allows hygienists and dental assistants to perform a broader range of services and more tools.
Of the eight ECU Community Service Learning Centers in the state, the Spruce Pine center sees the most pediatric patients.
Children must have an appointment and a parent or guardian must be present.
No transportation is provided.
Children must register ahead of time. Call 765-0110 to register or for more information.
“GKAS is one of our favorite days of the year,” Self said. “We get to give back to our community by serving local children and providing them with free dental care. One of our main goals at ECU School of Dental Medicine is to instill a sense of service and community in our staff, faculty, residents and students.”