Give Kids a Smile Day Returns
Approximately 100 children received care at RSDM's Give Kids a Smile Day.
After a two-year pandemic hiatus, Give Kids a Smile Day resumed at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) on February 3. Approximately 100 children from four Irvington Public Schools received a free dental screening at the pediatric dentistry clinic.
“It was a great day,” said Glenn Rosivack, chair of the Pediatric Dentistry Department “The children get to experience a fun day at the dentist. For some of them, it is their first experience at the dentist, and we strive to make it a pleasant experience which hopefully shapes their view of dentistry for the future.”
Give Kids a Smile is a nationwide effort sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA) Foundation with the goal of providing free oral health care to underserved children. And February marks National Children’s Dental Health Month.
Dental assistant Venus Panek with Julia Scherer '26 and Amogh Thalanki '24.
About 50 RSDM students, faculty, and staff partook in the event. Some of them delivered screenings while others shared tips on brushing and flossing. Student volunteers held dental activities. Venus Panek, dental assistant at the Pediatric Dentistry Department, dressed up as the tooth fairy, delivering magic and cheer to kids at the treatment bays.
A magician kept the kids entertained while waiting for their turn. Volunteers from the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, and their mascot, also introduced children to healthy habits.
“The most exciting part of the day is seeing the kids come through,” said Maria LaBoy, clinical services supervisor at Pediatric Dentistry, who spearheaded the event organization. “They're happy. They're interested. They have questions. They're in awe of this big facility, and they get to learn what a dentist does."
Children watched a magic show as they waited to be screened.
One of those children was Jaden of Augusta Pre-School Academy, who was accompanied by his mother, Jasmine Richardson. “I wanted him to just get his teeth checked out and be here because I wasn't able to go the last time,” said Richardson. “I just think this is really nice that Rutgers offers this for free.”
At the end of the event, each child received a complimentary electronic toothbrush to practice their learnings and maintain good oral health at an early age.
