The LSU Health New Orleans School of Dentistry and the New Orleans Dental Association (NODA) teamed up to Give Kids a Smile. About 120 third-graders from ReNew McDonough City Park Academy took part in the 2017 Give Kids a Smile Day. The event was held at the LSU Health New Orleans School of Dentistry, 1100 Florida Avenue, on Feb. 10.
When the youngsters arrived, they rotated through several activities. While a magician and dental students entertained one group with games promoting oral health and a magic show, the Tooth Fairy, along with her friends Tooth, Toothpaste and Sparkle, brought to life lessons on how to brush and floss with another group. This activity also included a station staffed by LSU Health New Orleans dental hygiene faculty and students featuring oral hygiene information and demonstrations. UNO and LSU pre-dental undergraduate students provided outdoor activities to promote physical activity and fitness. NODA and LSU Health New Orleans dentists, dental and dental hygiene students, and dental residents screened and cleaned the remaining group’s teeth. The day wrapped up with a healthy lunch sponsored by NODA.
Tooth decay is on the increase and has become epidemic among the youngest children in the U.S. A rapid form of tooth decay, known as early childhood caries (ECC), is the most common disease faced by young children. It is five times more common than asthma. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, by the age of three, 5-10 % of American children have oral health issues. By the age of five, approximately 60% of children in the U.S. will have had cavities. Children from low-income and minority families have a higher incidence of oral health issues. This group of children is less likely to see a dentist, and their disease is more than twice as likely to go untreated.
The American Dental Association launched the Give Kids A Smile program nationally in 2003 as a way for dentists across the country to join with others in their community to provide dental services to underserved children. The program initially began as a one-day event in February, but has since grown to local and national events year-round. Dentists and other team members volunteer their time, and services, to provide screenings, treatments and education to children throughout the United States. More than five million underserved children have received free oral health services. These free services are provided by approximately 10,000 dentists annually, along with 30,000 other dental team members.