Fostering Community Health and Education
TEMPLE DENTAL ’ S GIVE KIDS A SMILE DAY :
Fostering Community Health and Education
In a heartwarming display of community support and dental care excellence , Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry celebrated its annual Give Kids a Smile Day on Thursday , March 28 . Dr . Kevin Krick , Pediatric Clinic Director , and Theresa Hopkins , Senior Clinic Manager , spearheaded the event where 61 children received more than $ 15,000 worth of essential dental treatments .
Forty compassionate dental students and four faculty members came together to mark Temple Dental ’ s 13 th year of participation in this national initiative . Among the patients was a 21-month-old boy , who was the youngest attendee . His parents are Portuguese refugees who sought vital dental care for their son . This moment underscored Temple Dental ’ s commitment to pediatric dentistry and the importance of early dental visits for children .
Dr . Krick emphasized the pivotal role of education in oral health .
Give Kids a Smile Day provides a crucial platform for dentists to engage with parents , offering valuable insights on preventive care and proper oral hygiene practices for their children ,” Dr . Krick said .
Many of the patients served during this GKAS event face financial constraints and lack adequate dental insurance coverage . Often uninsured families lack coverage due to their citizenship status . Temple Dental ’ s inclusive approach was evident through the provision of interpreters to facilitate communication with families . Dr . Krick aptly summed up the significance of addressing such needs as “ amazing .”
For children , a trip to the dentist can be harrowing . Temple Dental employs a motivational interviewing technique to improve oral health behaviors using the patient ’ s own motivation to change . This enhances the relationship between students and patients and their parents and improves oral health outcomes .
“ Give Kids a Smile Day aligns harmoniously with Temple Dental School ’ s overarching mission to provide cuttingedge oral healthcare to underserved communities in the Philadelphia region ,” said Amid Ismail , Dean , Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry . “ Give Kids a Smile allows us to extend our reach beyond the walls of the dental school , impacting families from outside our typical patient population .”
While some patients return annually due to insurance limitations , Temple Dental encourages them to become regular patients and avail themselves of programs like Dental Pass , offering affordable dental care options . The day ’ s procedures primarily focused on preventive measures such as X-rays , cleanings and fluoride treatments , with a strong emphasis on addressing pain and infections promptly .
Through innovative educational approaches and hands-on experiences , Temple Dental nurtures a culture of shared learning among students , promoting collaborative care practices .
“ At Temple Dental , we employ value-based care and preventive dentistry , emphasizing the importance of minimally invasive treatments to enhance patient outcomes ,” said Dr . Krick .
The true essence of Give Kids a Smile Day lies in its ability to dismantle barriers to quality oral healthcare , particularly for underserved populations facing financial hardships and logistical challenges .
As Temple Dental continues to pioneer advancements in dental care delivery and education , its unwavering focus on community well-being shines through events like Give Kids a Smile Day , inspiring hope and transforming lives , one smile at a time .
( Photos courtesy of Temple Dental )
MAY / JUNE 2024 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 29