Home > About the School > Dental School News
Pediatric Dentistry Hosts Clinic on Give Kids a Smile Day
Posted on February 08, 2008
This year the School's Pediatric Dentistry Clinic opened its doors to provide free dental care for regular patients, scheduled appointments, and walk-in treatment on Give Kids a Smile Day. Faculty, staff, students, and residents treated five patients with general anesthesia in the clinic operating rooms, three patients in the hospital operating room, and provided dozens of restorative and preventive procedures on children throughout the morning and afternoon.
In one of the most compelling cases of the day, Cari Lawrence, the clinic's medical case coordinator spoke about a child whose family had insurance but still could not afford for the treatment. "We first saw the family in the fall, and when I heard we were going to provide free care on Give Kids a Smile Day, I had that light bulb moment. I thought I know exactly who to call," said Lawrence.
Diane Howell, CRNA and Assistant Professor, and Dr. Tegwyn Brickhouse, Assistant Professor, coordinated the effort and hope it will become an annual event. "There are so many families in the community who are uninsured or underinsured and can't afford what sometimes costs thousands of dollars. The access to pediatric specialty care for these children is limited and our hope is that next year we will be able to expand our efforts and treat even more children."
To see photos of the event, follow this link.
For more information, contact:
Martha Bushong
(804) 828-9757
Return to previous page