Media Advisory: UB adds vision tests, hearing screenings and more to day of free dental care

BUFFALO, N.Y. ­— The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine will host its 18th annual Give Kids A Smile Day, providing more than 200 Western New York schoolchildren with free health screenings and dental treatment, including orthodontic assessments.

This year, the school will continue its expansion of services beyond oral health care to include free eye examinations from optometrists, as well as services from nurses, dieticians, social workers and audiologists.

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 9

Where: Squire Hall, South Campus. Click for a map.

On-site contact is Edward Morrison, 716-955-0393.

What: Throughout the day, children will receive oral health exams, cleanings and fluoride treatments, and if needed, X-rays, fillings or extractions. While they wait, kids can enjoy hands-on activities, games, dental videos and oral health instruction from Buffalo Sabres mascot Sabretooth.

With a new focus on overall health, the program will also offer eye examinations, screenings for hearing loss, guidance on healthy eating, and assistance in determining Medicaid eligibility and in finding a permanent dental home. Nurse practitioners will be available to answer general health questions, and dieticians will provide demonstrations on how to prepare healthy school lunches.

The program is supported by hundreds of volunteers, including UB dental school faculty, staff and students, as well as private dentists and optometrists and their staff, who donate their time to provide care.

Why: Give Kids A Smile Day is a national program dedicated to raising awareness about the prevalence of untreated dental disease and teaching children good dental health habits.

The program is held each February in celebration of National Children’s Dental Health Month. The event provides needed care to families who may be uninsured or underinsured.

To learn more, visit the Give Kids A Smile Day website.