More than two dozen area children brightened up their smiles through free dental care on Friday, Feb. 4 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– an 18-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 were the target audience but all kids aged 1-8 were welcome.
Sylvia Buchanan from the Imagination Library was on hand to sign children up for free books. Rachel Weir provided Spanish translation.
Former student and now pediatric dentist Luke Current, who practices in Boone and is an adjunct faculty member, returned to help. Jonah Caplinger, a volunteer who will start at the learning center in May, also helped.
The 2022 event was dedicated to the memory of J. Wayne Hall. Wayne and his wife Wilma bought lunch for the event for several years.
“They wanted to serve us while we served others and were big supports of our clinic,” Self said. “He encouraged us and we wanted to honor his memory.”
GKAS shows kids the importance of oral health and developing good dental care habits. It’s another way that the learning center can serve the community.
“I’d say GKAS is important because it shows the spirit of ECU SoDM and our commitment to serving the underserved communities,” said dental student Darian Askew. “It accomplishes my favorite part of dentistry— putting a smile on kids’ faces.”
The number of children served is up slightly from 2021 when 23 kids got care during GKAS. Resident Deborah Simmers said the event helps her know that dentistry is the right field for her.
“Being able to provide dental exams to patient populations who otherwise cannot afford regular treatment is a huge need in our community,” she said. “I am happy to be a part of paying it forward. We need this kind of care in our world.”