SBU School of Dental Medicine “Give Kids a Smile” Provides Free Dental Care, Education
Ronald McDonald Joins Event Celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month
STONY BROOK, N.Y., January 26, 2011 – On February 4, 2011, the School of Dental Medicine at Stony Brook University will provide free dental screening, cleanings, fluoride treatment and oral health education to
|
| Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine faculty, staff, and students will provide oral health education and dental care to hundreds of children at the 2011 “Give Kids a Smile” Day. |
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 ADA, Give Kids a Smile is a one day event in February at dental care locations nationwide. The event is part of a national 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 Ray C. Williams, D.M.D., 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 Center, giving thumbs up to participants, and entertaining the kids.“Wolfie,” the SBU mascot, will also welcome the children and show them how he keeps his teeth clean.
According to the ADA, each year over 500,000 children are treated at more than 1,500 locations across the nation during 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. The School serves as the coordinating center for each of the four participating sites in Suffolk County.
To schedule an appointment or obtain more information, please call any of the participating sites between January 24 – January 28 (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.): The School of Dental Medicine’s Dental Care Center (631-632-8889); the Head Start Center in Riverhead (631-632-8967); St. Charles Hospital Dental Clinic in Port Jefferson (631-474-6797); and the Department of Dental Hygiene at Farmingdale State College in Farmingdale (631-420-2732).
Walk-ins are not accepted, and each child must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
