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from the issue of February 17, 2005
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Dental Day VII helped improves smiles all around
Some 163 children from a number of communities received free dental treatment and education as part of UNMC's Children's Dental Day VII on Feb. 4. Underserved children from Hastings, Lexington, Lincoln, Madison, Schuyler, Sutton and Norfolk participated in the free daylong event at college located on the UNL East Campus.
| | "My lips are numb," Zachary Wells, 8, tells his dad, Mike Wells. The younger Wells had several fillings and his teeth cleaned during Children's Dental Day Feb. 4 at the UNMC College of Dentistry in Lincoln. The two were headed to the lower level of the dental college to eat lunch when Zachary decided to show his dad his new fillings. "I think it's wonderful that they offer this," Mike Wells said. The father and son are from Madison, Neb. Photo by Lisa Spellman.
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This annual event helps underserved Nebraska children, while providing an opportunity for dental and dental hygiene students to gain more clinical experience. Children from low income, uninsured and underinsured families received cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, cavity fillings, education and emergency care as needed.
"The kids have a lot of fun and it is a great opportunity for them to get work done that they otherwise might not have the chance to get," said Nancy Cook, a nurse with Lexington Public Schools.
Cook said she was also pleased with the way the college educated the children about the importance of good oral health through the variety of carnival-like games.
"I think the kids really learned a lot," she said.
All 240 dental and dental hygiene students, the faculty, staff and residents donated their services, as did several dentists from Lincoln and other communities. Dental and dental hygiene students dressed as dental characters including the tooth fairy, perio man and ortho man. The combined value of the donated services is estimated at more than $60,000.
Children also learned about the importance of good dental habits through educational and entertaining activities. One game showed children how sugar, plague and acids decay teeth. Each child received a goody bag holding battery-operated toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, activity books and stickers. Lunch and healthy snacks were provided.
Children participating in the event were pre-screened in their communities by volunteer dentists and dental hygienists. These volunteers donated their time to provide oral health screenings that indicated the type of care the children needed when they came to the college.
Financial sponsors of Children's Dental Day are: Ameritas Insurance Co., Sowers Club, Nebraska Dental Hygiene Association and several private donors.
GO TO: ISSUE OF FEBRUARY 17
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Dental Day VII helped improves smiles all around
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