UK College of Dentistry Gives Kids a Smile

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 12, 2013) − The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry is providing free dental care for underserved children as part of the American Dental Association's "Give Kids a Smile" program. The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. - noon Saturday, Feb.16, in the College of Dentistry's second and third floor dental clinics.

"Give Kids a Smile" is an annual one-day volunteer initiative to provide free educational, preventive and restorative services to children from low-income families. Thousands of dentists across the country will take time to help underserved children who aren't getting the oral health care they need.

“I am proud of our students and faculty for getting behind this effort to help children and raise the awareness of the importance of oral health as a part of total health,” said Dr. Sharon Turner, dean of the UK College of Dentistry.

This is the third year the College of Dentistry is participating in the ADA's Give Kids a Smile program. The event is being coordinated by Sue Humphrey, a faculty member in the college specializing in oral health education.

“Tooth decay and poor oral health can affect a child’s ability to sleep, eat, and even succeed in school," Humphrey said. "Our goal is to reach children in our community who need dental care, and give them healthy smiles."

The Give Kids a Smile event will provide children with the greatest need treatment that day. Ongoing treatment and preventive treatment care will be provided by the UK College of Dentistry.

Registration will take place on the first floor of the college beginning at 8:30 a.m. and continues until 10 a.m. Up to 100 patients, ages 4-12 years-old, will be seen and treated. All patients must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Guardians must provide documentation of guardianship.

For more information about the event, call (859) 323-6525. Free parking is available in the UK HealthCare Parking Garage located at 110 Transcript Ave. with free shuttle service provided and also in the Markey Cancer Center parking lot.

Media Contact:  Ann Blackford at ann.blackford@uky.edu or (859) -3587.