Young visitors all grins during fun, interactive Give Kids A Smile

Getting a dental exam is infinitely more enjoyable when it comes with a brightly colored stuffed animal to hold, glow rings and stickers to take home, and loads of reassurance from smiling dental students.

Forty-eight young children from three Buffalo schools got that very experience on Feb. 6 during the 25th annual Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) event hosted by the School of Dental Medicine.

During the morning event, dental students, residents and faculty members teamed up to provide the visitors, ages 3 to 8, with free checkups, fluoride treatments, cleanings and X-rays in the UB Dental Clinic inside Squire Hall. Meanwhile, another group of dental school volunteers oversaw a host of educational activities in Harriman Hall that made brushing and flossing seem less like a chore.

“As pediatric dentists, we’re always thrilled to provide a positive experience that equates going to the dentist with something fun,” said Brett T. Chiquet, professor and chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Community Dentistry, who joined UB last year. “A lot of these kids don’t have a dental home. It’s our hope that the parents who attended our event will bring their children back to the UB Dental Clinic.”

GKAS is a nationwide initiative sponsored by the American Dental Association. Held on the first Friday of February, the event kicks off National Children’s Dental Health Month and is intended to provide quality dental care and oral hygiene education to underserved children.

Since launching in 2003, Give Kids A Smile has provided care to more than 9 million children nationwide, including thousands in Western New York.

This year, Holy Cross Head Start Main School, Holy Cross Head Start Northwest School and Buffalo Public School 99 (Stanley M. Makowski Early Childhood Center) participated. Parents accompanied the younger children.

Hsor Moe, who came with her 3-year-old son, said she was happy the dental school organized the event.

“He gets to try new things and learn important lessons,” Moe said.

In the Harriman ballroom, the young visitors used jump ropes, Legos and Play Doh in floss simulation exercises. They also dressed in dentist scrubs, colored pictures and danced along with a DJ, a first-year dental student who took requests from children and adults alike.

“The best part was getting to see smiles on all the kids’ faces, hopefully making the dentist a less scary place for them,” said Andee Wik, program coordinator in the Department of Pediatric and Community Dentistry. “The DJ and dance floor were a huge hit, and the kids loved the educational games. Many of them asked if they could come back next year.”

Seventy-two volunteers participated. One was Alli Haugh, a third-year student who wore a smock designed like a tooth for children to “floss” with a jump rope between her and another similarly dressed dental student.

“I think it’s important for children to learn about the importance of oral hygiene from an early age,” Haugh said.

First-year dental student Sara Takiguchi, who was helping children at her table color pictures of what makes them smile, said she learned about Give Kids A Smile while interviewing for a spot in the dental school.

“I’m very excited to be part of it this year,” Takiguchi said. “I’ve been impressed by the level of organization.”