On January 21 and 22, 2010, the Midlands Technical College Dental Clinic provided free preventative dental care to approximately 70 local deserving children. The college offered this service in conjunction with the national Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) program, an initiative of the American Dental Association that focuses attention on the epidemic of untreated oral disease among disadvantaged children.

C hr i stoph er Perez-An dre a Skea n ): A ndrea Ske a n, Midlands Technical College dental hygiene student, examines three-year-ol d Christopher Perez° Øs teeth as par t of the Gi ve Kids A Sm ile program. The MTC Dental Clinic provided the children with preventative dental care including cleanings, exams, X-rays, fluoride treatments and sealants as needed. The services were available by appointment only to children aged 4- 19 who didn’t have Medicaid or dental insurance.

After being treated at the MTC Dental Clinic, any children who needed restorative dental care, such as fillings, were referred to a participating dentist for treatment on February 5, the 2010 national Give Kids A Smile Day. These restorative treatments are also offered to the children at no cost.

This was the eighth year that Midlands Technical College participated in the GKAS program. All MTC dental students participated, as well as faculty, staff and other volunteers.

Donna Griffith, client coordinator of the MTC Dental Clinic, said this program provides a great service to local children. “Oral care is such an important part of overall good health,” Griffith said, “and with today’s economy, it is becoming more difficult for people to afford needed services.”

For more information about the MTC Dental Clinic or the Give Kids A Smile program, call Donna Griffith at (803) 822-3450.