Years ago in February 2002, Columbia University’s Dental School geared up for its first Give Kids A Smile event, in which we provided oral health education to about 50 children and their parents. Now, four years later, Columbia has expanded its program to include neighboring schools, a dental van, health centers, and its own pediatric clinic, which were able to provide oral health education and screenings to over 600 children.

The day started with students of all classes joining in the festivities and teaching the kids the importance of brushing their teeth and maintaining healthy smiles. It was an important day that even involved the parents, because they are a major influence in their children’s oral hygiene and care. Being located in Washington Heights of Manhattan, New York, Columbia dental students are cognizant of the need to address the cultural aspects that contribute to the caries that the children of this area have. By addressing the parents and providing them with pamphlets from Crest, we were able to have a greater impact on the children in the long run.

Many of the first year and second year classes involved were able to experience what the upper classmen have always known—Dental School is not just about making the grade (although that’s important), it is about providing care and being a part of some one’s life, even if it is for a short time. Every year, Give Kids A Smile reminds us of why we are becoming dental health professionals. It makes all the little bumps in dental school worth it, because in the end, we not only give kids a smile, but we smile ourselves.

Written by Ruba Fakhoury
Class of 2006
Coordinator of GKAS for Columbia Since 2002

Give Kids a Smile Day ‘05

The American Dental Association’s Give Kids A Smile Day on February 4 provided free dental checkups and treatment to at least half million kids across the nation. More than 10,000 dentists and 28,000 dental professional volunteers were involved at more than 1500 locations providing kids with approximately $32 million worth of dental care. The Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery served as the national flagship location for Give Kids a Smile Day, and children received free checkups and treatment at Columbia’s Pediatric Dentistry Clinic, in school locations, and in a mobile dental van. In acknowledgement of the importance of children’s oral health, the City of New York proclaimed the day “Give Kids A Smile Day.”

Dean Ira Lamster with ADA President Richard Haught at the Medical Center Faculty Club receives the City’s 2005 GKAS Proclamation from NYC Associate Health Commissioner Louise Cohen