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Left to right: Brenda Utecht, John Reinhardt, D.D.S., and Darlene Carritt, dental hygiene, Roxann Brennfoerder of Ameritas Group, Stan Harn, D.D.S., and David Brown, Ph.D. Photo by Jody Akeson. |
The ADA presented the college with a $500 stipend and plaque.
Children’s Dental Day, which has been held four times to date, began in 2001. During each one-day event, dental and dental hygiene students and faculty provide care for about 130 children and donate about $50,000 in dental services. To date, about 500 children in the communities of Lincoln, Norfolk, Fremont, Columbus, Beatrice, Harvard and Grand Island, have received an estimated $180,00 in donated dental services.
Serving the underserved
The event provides an opportunity to help underserved Nebraska children. Children from low income, uninsured and homeless families receive cleaning, fluoride treatments, sealants, cavity fillings, education and emergency care as needed.
“I think the most important message our students get from Dental Day is that there are many needy children in Nebraska who have serious dental problems and can’t find a dentist to take care of them,” said John Reinhardt, D.D.S., dean of the UNMC College of Dentistry. “This problem exists throughout our country, but sometimes we aren’t aware of it because most of the children who come to our clinic regularly have a much higher level of oral health.
“The take-home message for our students it that throughout your dental career, you should find a way to give back to the less fortunate. Dental and dental hygiene education is a gift that should be shared. Children in the U.S. should not have to endure dental pain and disfigurement which can prevent them from having a chance to succeed in life.”
Providing care
Gwen Hlava, chairperson and associate professor of the college’s dental hygiene program and one of the coordinators of the event, said most of the children served by Dental Day would not get the oral health care they need otherwise. “People from the communities are just thrilled that somebody cares enough and wants to do something for these children,” she said.
Sharing the award
One of the organizers of the event, David Brown, Ph.D., UNMC College of Dentistry professor of oral biology and executive associate dean, said the College of Dentistry takes its community partnership role seriously. “We also recognized that we share this award with many donors who provide financial as well as in-kind support to provide services to underserved children who have little or no access to care. The event also is a good experience for students and faculty in terms of unique patient care experiences and valuable opportunities for learning and interacting with people from all cultures.”
The event also provides interactive, fun educational activities designed to teach the importance of good dental habits. Dental characters and clowns entertain children with games, including those that teach good snacks versus bad, how soda pop affects their teeth and what decay looks like. Children also receive lunch, healthy snacks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, activity books and stickers. Interpreters also provide translation services.
Volunteers abound
Almost 350 UNMC dental and dental hygiene students, faculty, residents and staff will donate dental services. Other volunteers include Hope Medical Outreach Coalition and volunteers from the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department, dental hygiene faculty and students from Central Community College in Hastings and dental assisting students from Southeast Community College.