Years ago in February 2002, Columbia University’s Dental School geared up for its first Give Kids A Smile event, in which we provided oral health education to about 50 children and their parents. Now, four years later, Columbia has expanded its program to include neighboring schools, a dental van, health centers, and its own pediatric clinic, which were able to provide oral health education and screenings to over 600 children.
The day started with students of all classes joining in the festivities and teaching the kids the importance of brushing their teeth and maintaining healthy smiles. It was an important day that even involved the parents, because they are a major influence in their children’s oral hygiene and care. Being located in Washington Heights of Manhattan, New York, Columbia dental students are cognizant of the need to address the cultural aspects that contribute to the caries that the children of this area have. By addressing the parents and providing them with pamphlets from Crest, we were able to have a greater impact on the children in the long run.
Many of the first year and second year classes involved were able to experience what the upper classmen have always known—Dental School is not just about making the grade (although that’s important), it is about providing care and being a part of some one’s life, even if it is for a short time. Every year, Give Kids A Smile reminds us of why we are becoming dental health professionals. It makes all the little bumps in dental school worth it, because in the end, we not only give kids a smile, but we smile ourselves.
Written by Ruba Fakhoury
Class of 2006
Coordinator of GKAS for Columbia Since 2002
GIVE KIDS/FAMILIES A SMILE DAY '08
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine celebrated the 6th Annual Give Kids/Families A Smile Day. The American Dental Association sponsored national event promotes oral health awareness and treatment to children in underserved areas of the country. The purpose of the event is to bring light to the oral health crisis taking place at the national level especially affecting children.
On February 1, 2008, Columbia's team of dental professionals and volunteers provided free educational, preventive and restorative dental services to over 500 children from the Washington Heights/Inwood and Harlem Area. Moreover, children received gift bags that contained toothpaste, toothbrush, and other materials to reinforce oral hygiene.
The day was commemorated with a Proclamation from the office of Congressman Charles B. Rangel-Chairman of Ways and Means Committee, declaring February 1, 2008 Give Kids A Smile Day.
Children from five different schools in the area Bea Fuller I.S. 528, P.S. 173, P.S. 132, P.S. 79, Harlem Children's Zone Uptown Gems were able to receive oral health education and screenings. In addition to providing services at these five locations our Columbia University Pediatric Clinic opened its doors to children from the surrounding area. Furthermore, for the first time during the Give Kids A Smile Day, Columbia expanded the services to adults, as the lack of access to care has permeated throughout all age groups. Our main dental school clinic on 168th Street opened its doors to adults.
The dental health crisis among children in the U.S., with 4-5 million American kids experiencing tooth decay severe enough to cause pain and infection every day, and it hits children from low and modest income families hardest. Coverage is essential; untreated tooth decay can lead to unbearable pain, and the disruption of a child's ability to eat, sleep, speak, play and learn. One in four children in the U.S. develops cavities even before entering Kindergarten. The disease is increasing - prevalence among preschoolers has jumped 15 percent and it's getting worse. The Columbia College of Dental Medicine improves access for children year round through its Community DentCare program so that "everyday is Give Kids A Smile Day".
Columbia acknowledges the following people for their relentless commitment to children's oral health care:
Congressman Charles B. Rangel-Chairman of Means and Ways Committee, Dr. Amarilys Jacobo-President of Dominican Dental Association, Dr. Richard Diamond Columbia University, Dr. Steven Chussid-Columbia University, Dr. Asma Muzaffar Columbia University, our residents, American Student Dental Association, Student National Dental Association, our dental students, Columbia University clinic and administrative staff, and our sponsors Henry Schein.
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