Dental School's Annual "Give Kids a Smile" Day Set for Feb. 1

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Children who don't have access to dental care are encouraged to sign up for the annual "Give Kids a Smile" day on Feb. 1, conducted by the School of Dental Medicine at the University at Buffalo and the Pediatric Dental Clinic at Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo.

Children ages 1-18 will receive dental treatment free of charge that day at either site as part of the UB dental school's community outreach initiative.

Parents can call 861-3593 to schedule an appointment.

Patients will receive a dental exam, fluoride treatment, X-rays, sealant, oral hygiene instruction and other treatment or consultations as needed. Limited restorative dental work will be available. Each child will leave the clinic with a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss.

There also will be tours, hands-on activities, dental videos and oral-hygiene instruction for parents and children.

More than 200 volunteers, including UB dental school faculty, staff and students; Women and Children's Hospital dentists and staff; private dentists and their staff, and students and faculty from the Dental Assistant Program at UB's Educational Opportunity Center and Erie Community College's Dental Hygiene Program will help to keep the day running smoothly.

The Buffalo event is part of a national effort to encourage children to adopt good dental health habits early on, so they can avoid major problems later.

Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo, Ivoclar Vivadent, Inc., Patterson Dental and the Eighth District Dental Society are local co-sponsors.

The event is sponsored nationally by the American Dental Association, Colgate and Sullivan-Schein, a dental supply company.