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Give Kids A Smile Day

by: Karie Candelario

This past Friday students from the Dental Hygiene Department participated in an event that took place in the second floor of Taft Hall to celebrate “Give Kids A Smile” day also known as National Children’s Dental Access Day. Students and staff arrived early that day to provide dozens of children with free dental screenings and dental education accompanied by goody bags for children to take home.“Give Kids A Smile” is a day organized by New Jersey’s Dental Association to provide free oral care serves for children 12years and under who don’t have dental insurance. Camden County College is one of more than 80 entities that participated in this event that usually takes place on the first Friday of February.

New Jersey has been a proud participant since 2003 helping about 13,000 children in 80 different parts of the state providing children about $2.4 million worth in dental serves.

Local businesses such as Party City donated balloons and other party favors to create an atmosphere that made kids feel comfortable. Students even dressed up as cartoon characters such as spongebob and the tooth fairy while dancing to the Jonas Brothers.  “Each year we try to help kids by giving them the proper care they need to help them have healthy gums and teeth for free and providing them a fun environment, said Dawn Conley administrator of the Dental Hygiene Department.Each year about 4,000 children receive dental serves as part of that day.Most of those children are low income and lack dental care.According to the American Dental Association don’t have dental insurance. The U.S Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health, linked to oral diseases such as diabetes, heart and lung disease. Untreated oral problems can result in unnecessary suffering and cause children to miss school days.

Children benefit from this activity and so do the students here at the college. College students are able to put in practice the skills they learn in the classroom environment for a future in the dental industry. “I think this benefits us as students because we practice what we are learning and helping kids at the same time” said Aimee Trang a student in the Dental Hygiene Department.

“Give Kids A Smile” will continue to grow and benefit all children 12 years and under and give students the practice skills they need to succeed in the future.


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