Dr . Christina Iannessa , a University of Pittsburgh Alumna , treats patient Ezekiel Rumbaugh during the GKAS event sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh ’ s Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Hygiene program .
of the dates were rescheduled for February 11 , 13 , 18 and 19 due to inclement weather . Chair , Dr . MaryAnn Davis , invited head start students ages 3-5 to spend the morning at the museum for free dental screenings and education . The children visited the Tooth Fairy and were given goody bags that included a new toothbrush , toothpaste and a book about oral health .
In total , 155 children were screened , a number much lower than last year but most likely due to the weatherrelated cancellations . Only 35 children had visible decay . “ Even with the delays and lower numbers , I felt we still had a good turnout and our mission was accomplished ,” said Dr . Davis .
Dental students from The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine volunteered their time to help out at
the museum event , performing screenings while dentists charted and mentored . Sullivan-Schein provided four complete dental units and the necessary supplies for the event . Donations were received from the Sarah Heinz Foundation and the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review provided advertisement . Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry in Philadelphia held a GKAS day on April 1 at the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic . The Pediatric Dentistry Study Club , along with faculty , organized the event and contacted principals and nurses at local elementary schools to encourage participation . The program provided diagnostic and preventative services to children and educated parents about the importance of maintaining good oral health . Each child was given a gift bag with dental supplies to take home . Dr . Jennifer Davis and Dr . Frederick Johnson opened their office on a Saturday to host a GKAS event on
Dr . A . J . Chialastri , Dr . Jill Garrido , Dr . Sylvan Morein , and Dr . T . J . Kash pose in front of the Ronald McDonald Mobile Dental Van at the Philadelphia County Dental Society ’ s GKAS event .
March 13 . After providing initial screenings in schools in February , Dr . Davis and Dr . Johnson sent letters home with children who needed additional treatment to let them know about the GKAS event . The event was advertised on the local radio station and in the local newspaper . Throughout the day , Dr . Davis and Dr . Johnson performed exams , prophylaxis , fillings , extractions and even a root canal , which amounted to $ 2,500 in donated services . The Philadelphia County Dental Society observed GKAS on February 5 at Clara Barton Elementary School . With help from the department of Dental Medicine at St . Christopher ’ s Hospital for Children and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile , more than $ 7,600 in donated services was provided to children . The ADA provided home care kits . St . Christopher ’ s Department of Dental Medicine provided screening supplies and restorative materials . PDA members Dr . AJ Chialastri and Dr . Sylvan Morein participated in the event . Drs . Bob Kilareski , Diane Ray and John Kelly participated in a GKAS event in State College hosted by Centre Volunteers in Medicine . About 75 children registered for the event . Services included sealants , fluoride treatments , extractions , fillings and cleanings .
24 May / June 2010 • Pennsylvania Dental Journal