Children's Dental Day
About the Program
Children's Dental Day is an engagement program of the UNMC College of Dentistry with the goal of providing essential dental care to children in Nebraska who have little or no access to dental services.
The core of the program has been large events in Lincoln, with about 200 children traveling each spring from across Nebraska to our college to receive essential dental care.
In 2026, Children's Dental Day is expanding to include events in smaller Nebraska communities, such as York and Hastings, held in conjunction with private dental practices. The goal is to use dental day as an opportunity to establish dental homes for the children within (or near) their own communities.
Organizers will continue to offer a smaller event at the college’s Lincoln location (busing children in from other communities).
Treatments include cleanings, restorations, extractions, pulpotomies and stainless steel crowns. Children also participate in educational activities designed to raise their awareness of the importance of oral health.
Each year, hundreds of volunteers have collaborated to make the large Lincoln events possible, including:
- Community organizers, school nurses and district health departments who schedule children for screening examinations and arrange transportation to Lincoln.
- Local dentists, often UNMC alumni, who conduct screening examinations, take X-rays and develop preliminary diagnoses and treatment plans.
- UNMC College of Dentistry students, faculty and staff.
- UNMC College of Dentistry alumni and other community volunteers.
- UNMC College of Nursing students and faculty who perform wellness checks.
Western Children's Dental Days
During the summer, UNMC College of Dentistry students, faculty and staff travel to Gordon and Sidney to provide essential dental care to underserved children from western Nebraska communities. Typically, about 150 children receive treatment from 50 volunteers. The Panhandle District Health Department is a key partner in Western Children's Dental Days.