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Jason Miranda of Norfolk, center, gets toothbrushing tips from “Orthoman” and Tigger. Orthoman is played by UNMC College of Dentistry dental student Rick Fuchs. Tigger is played by dental hygiene student Kim Swanson. |
After asking their young patients to “open up like an alligator,” dental students and faculty used “Mr. Bumpy” (a drill) to fill “bugs” (cavities). More than 350 volunteers took part in Children’s Dental Day on Nov. 14 at the UNMC College of Dentistry in Lincoln. The event provided an estimated $35,000 in free dental care and treatment to 140 underserved children from Norfolk and Fremont.
“We had a wonderful turnout,” said Gwen Hlava, chairperson and associate professor of the college’s dental hygiene program and one of the coordinators of the event. “People from the communities are just thrilled that somebody cares enough and wants to do something for these children.”
The event, held twice a year, is an opportunity for the college to help underserved Nebraskans, as well as provide an opportunity for dental and dental hygiene students to gain more clinical experience. Kindergarten through high school students from low income, uninsured and homeless families received dental exams, cleaning, fluoride treatments, sealants, restorative work and emergency care.
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Kristian Leriger of Fremont, right, is instructed on how to properly brush his teeth from “Orthoman,” also known as UNMC College of Dentistry freshman dental student Rick Fuchs. |
When the children weren’t receiving dental care, they learned how to prevent future oral health problems through good dental habits. Thanks to the Tooth Fairy and Winnie-the-Pooh’s bouncing buddy, Tigger, they also learned that going to the dentist is not a frightening experience.
The children also were treated to free lunch and free toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, activity books and stickers. Most of the information was available in Spanish and English.
Connie Barry of Norfolk, a nurse who has a Nebraska Health and Human Services System grant to reach out to underserved in four rural Nebraska towns, was impressed by the endeavor.
“The children’s parents don’t have Medicaid, dental insurance or the financial resources for their children to see the dentist,” Barry said. “It’s been a great collaborative effort between schools, and the dental community to meet unmet needs.”
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Maria Torres, 6, of Norfolk, learns how to properly floss teeth with help from Jill Carr, left, and the Tooth Fairy, played by Melissa Muessel, both UNMC College of Dentistry dental hygiene students. |
“It’s been a wonderful opportunity,” said John Reinhardt, D.D.S., dean of the UNMC College of Dentistry. Dr. Reinhardt served as one of the faculty advisors who checked students’ finished work. “The technical experience is great for learning — they are seeing more dental disease than usual.”
“The students felt really good about doing this because the need is great,” he said. “I think they learned a lesson on how important it is to serve the less fortunate. The experience also instilled some professional pride.”
The event was made possible by the following: financial sponsors: Ameritas Group Dental; Nebraska Dental Hygienists’ Association; and the Nebraska Dental Association. Donors of dental and other supplies are: DENTSPLY; Oral B; Proctor and Gamble (Crest); Patterson Dental Supply, Inc.; G.C. America, Inc.; Ultradent; Sara Lee Breads and Pastries; Pepsi-Cola Products; Fairbury Brand Meats; Colby Ridge Popcorn; Hy-Vee Food Stores; Super Saver; and Sun-Mart Foods.