Sinclair’s Dental Hygienic Clinic has been offering affordable dental cleanings and checkups for Sinclair students and the local community since the 1970s.
The Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) event is one of the programs the clinic has been hosting for the Dayton Area for the past few years.
The American Dental Association (ADA) first held a GKAS event in 2003, as a one-day program for children whose families did not have the means of providing their children with dental care.
The event had a huge turnout and the ADA realized that many children were in need of free dental care. With the help of volunteers like Sinclair’s clinic, children are receiving care that they otherwise would have not.
The GKAS provides children with free dental care, including an examination, cleaning and fluoride treatments.
“I look forward to the GKAS event every year. Some of the children are repeats and everyone seems to have a great experience. The students and the kids benefit one another. The children leave with a smile and they are healthy for having the work done. The students learn how to interact with children, dentists and the local community,“ said Clinic Coordinator Pam Edwards.
Sinclair’s Dental Hygienic Clinic will host the GKAS event on Feb. 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for children ages six months to five years old. Children, as young as six months, should have dental checkups twice a year. This is to make sure that baby teeth are coming in correctly, along with keeping parents aware of the importance of proper homecare.
According to the ADA, “Each year, approximately 350,000 children benefit from more than 1, 500 events all because of the efforts of 40,000 or more volunteers.”
The volunteers at Sinclair’s GKAS event include local dentists, hygienists, Sinclair faculty members, Sinclair staff and students in the dental hygienic program.
“Please register ahead of time for the GKAS event. If you do, we can see you at the scheduled time and you won’t have to wait as long. If you don’t have time to register, or know someone who just learned of the event, please come. This is an excellent program and we can’t wait to help you,” said Stephany Elworth, administrative assistant.
The GKAS event is free of charge. One can register their child by stopping in the dental hygienic clinic in person. A parent can also call the hental hygienic clinic at (937) 512-2548.
Individuals six and older should schedule appointments at the beginning of the semester to be seen for dental services. Keep in mind that services are limited. Prices range from $5.00 to $50.00 depending upon the patient’s age and the services that are provided.
Sinclair Dental Hygienic Clinic can be found in Room 4332: Building 4, floor 3, room 332.
Simren Smith
Reporter