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AUGUSTA, Ga ( )- February marks the observance of National Children’s Dental Health Month, and in celebration, the Dental College of Georgia proudly organized its annual “Give Kids A Smile Day” on Friday.
Dental care often comes with high costs, making it inaccessible for numerous families in the CSRA who lack dental insurance. The “Give Kids a Smile” event provides an opportunity for children to receive essential dental treatments at no cost.
“It’s truly heartwarming to witness the joy and see the smiles on these children’s faces. It moves us to tears every year,” expressed Kandyce A’See, Professor of Dental Hygiene at the Dental College of Georgia.
This event is part of a nationwide initiative sponsored and funded by the American Dental Association. Its primary aim is to address tooth decay, which the ADA identifies as the most prevalent chronic condition affecting children, impacting 46% of youngsters across the United States.
During the event on Friday, fifty-five 4th and 5th graders from Lamar-Milledge Elementary School were given the chance to visit the Dental College, where they received dental care that might otherwise be out of reach.
“So they get free cleanings, free fluoride treatments and free sealant. That’s what our hygiene students are doing,” explained A’See. “And then on the second floor, the pediatric residents are actually doing treatment. So fillings, extractions and crowns.”
For the last 10 years, Josey High School alumni and former NFL safety, Deon Grant has been a part of “Give Kids a Smile” with his non-profit, the G.R.A.N.T. Foundation. His goal is to promote anti bullying and encourage self care with the motto “Be Kind to your teeth and others.”
“And that was something that a great friend of mine, Kandyce, that’s a part of this, reached out to me and when she reached out and explained what they was doing, I was happy to jump on board. Because my foundation is all about not only protecting the kids, but making sure they are taking care of their bodies,” Grant told NewsChannel 6.
Grant loves seeing how confident the kids are after getting their dental work done.
“Just like when you– the first day of school and you have that new outfit, you know, you can’t wait to go to school. It’s the same thing after you get your teeth cleaned. You know, it might not change anything but a health situation for your teeth, but you feel like they’re whiter. You feel like your smile is brighter and bigger.”
The kids said that they are glad to get to “Save the day from tooth decay!”