Around the State
Smiles by Shannon
On February 2 , Dr . Jennifer Shannon hosted her fifth annual Give Kids a Smile ( GKAS ) event at her office , Smiles by Shannon Dental in Harrisburg .
In order to optimize the number of children seen , Dr . Shannon ’ s office focused on screenings and was able to see 33 children , ranging from ages 2-17 years old . Children received free cleanings , dental exams , fluoride treatments and radiographs . Any restorative treatment or extractions were planned and scheduled for another day , but these services will also be provided for free . Looking back , Dr . Shannon said , “ It was a great event !”
Marysville Family Dentistry
5 DISTRICT
Dr . Saniya Setia of Marysville Family Dentistry celebrated both Leap Day and NCDHM by hosting a GKAS event on February 29 . Dr . Setia was accompanied by two of her dental assistants , Melinda Deckert and Shiloh Miller , who dressed as a tooth and a toothbrush . They visited a local preschool and taught the children how to effectively brush and floss their teeth by playing tooth brushing and flossing games and also educated them about healthy food habits .
During the GKAS event , the trio was able to see 50 children who were each given packets to take home and review with their parents . The packets could then be brought to their office for exams , prophylaxis , fluoride applications , sealants and restorative dentistry . The children who attended the event are now being scheduled and seen at their office in Marysville .
“ We are so grateful for this opportunity to be able to help our community by this outreach program . For most of these kids , this is the first time they are seeing a dentist ,” said Dr . Setia . “ One of the best outcomes we had from this event is that the children are now educating their parents about oral health . We recently saw a patient who came to see us after not having been to a dentist for 19 years because her son was one of the kids at this preschool . He went home and encouraged his parents and siblings to brush their teeth twice a day with a timer of two minutes and talked to them about flossing their teeth and motivated them to see a dentist .”
One of the best outcomes we had from this event is that the children are now educating their parents about oral health .
24 MAY / JUNE 2024 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL