University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
The Student Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine traveled “ Under the Sea ” for this year ’ s 16 th annual Give Kids A Smile Days . Co-presidents Melissa Campbell and Andrea Montoya , along with GKAS Day coordinator , Morgan Choe , orchestrated another very successful event . Paper fish led the parents and patients to the department and the reception area , where fishing with a magnet , coloring pages and other activities entertained the patients while they waited for their appointments .
The Pitt Panther , Roc , came over in the afternoon to greet patients and receive his annual check-up . Dental students , pediatric dental residents , dental hygiene students and pediatric dental faculty worked together to provide dental care to over 72 patient visits . One third-year dental student , Renae Sweeney , dressed as Ariel , Disney ’ s Little Mermaid , even treated her patients in costume .
Pitt held an additional event , with a morning for free dental care in May when the Department of Anesthesiology offered their services a pediatric dental patient who was be treated under general anesthesia by a pediatric dental resident .
The Department of Pediatric Dentistry tries to provide some of the more costly services that might otherwise be out of reach financially for these families . The primary goal in this event is to promote a lifelong commitment to oral health and to encourage these families to return to the clinic to receive ongoing dental care .
Pitt dental school gave a special thanks to the Pennsylvania Dental Association Foundation for their generous contribution to the Student Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for this project and all of the other community outreach initiatives throughout the year .
Thank You for Volunteering
PDA would like to thank our member dentists for the continued success of the promotion of NCDHM . From promoting awareness to children and families in their local communities to sponsoring events and activities , the efforts of our members are valuable and appreciated . A special thank you goes to PDA ’ s statewide NCDHM Chair , Dr . Samer Mansour for his continued support and enthusiasm for endorsing NCDHM .
22 MAY / JUNE 2018 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL