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S.C. students smile for improved oral health by Cindy Abole Public Relations South Carolina children had a reason to smile on Feb. 6 following a check-up and their participation in this year’s “Give Kids a Smile Day.” The event, sponsored by the South Carolina Dental Association (SCDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA), gave low-income and disabled boys and girls a chance to receive free dental care. CDM students Shaunna Szabo, left, and Cassie Smith helped coordinate student volunteers for MUSC's Give Kids a Smile Day Feb. 6 at CDM's pediatric dental clinic. A total of 93 children from underserved Lowcountry areas received dental care for this event. In Charleston, 93 students received dental care at MUSC College of Dental Medicine’s pediatric dental clinic, more than tripling the number of children treated last year. This is the second year MUSC has teamed with SCDA to support this statewide effort. “I think it is the most successful dental outreach program the SCDA has accomplished under the umbrella of the ADA,” said Mark Barry, DDS, associate  professor and director of clinics in the College of Dental Medicine. “I feel confident that each child had a positive experience.” Participants received comprehensive dental care, which included teeth cleanings, sealant and fluoride treatments, extractions and restorative care. Following their treatments, children were given toothbrushes, toothpaste, and a list of dental practitioners and Medicaid providers located in their vicinity.  In 2000, a Surgeon General report revealed that one in four American children who are born into impoverished families have 10 times more unmet needs, including proper dental care, than children born in families earning more than $50,000.  “Our goal resulted in saving children’s teeth and providing valuable patient education,” Barry said of the unnecessary loss of school days due to tooth aches or other severe complications, which can be avoided with regular dental check-ups. “We wanted to ensure these children a chance at continuity of care.” Dental records from this event were forwarded to  SCDA offices for filing and reference used in follow-up treatment plans. For dental day, hundreds of dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, students and volunteers participated in this outreach event which took place at MUSC and other college campuses including Midland’s Technical College, Columbia; Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Conway; York Technical College, Rock Hill; Florence-Darlington Technical College, Florence; and Greenville Technical College, Greenville. At MUSC, Barry worked closely with volunteer students and staff to organize an interactive waiting room and X-ray and treatment areas for patients, their parents and teachers.  “The event gave some children their first opportunity to visit a dentist ,” said Shaunna Szabo, who along with fellow fourth-year CDM student Cassie Smith, coordinated MUSC’s participation on campus. “The children feel more confident because they can smile comfortably,” said Vanessa Daniel, CDM sterilization and instrument coordinator. “They feel good about themselves because they know their mouths are healthier and cared for.”   Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.