It was only suppose to be a one-time event.
But the overwhelming response to the Panhandle Dental Day in western Nebraska seven years ago has kept the students, dental faculty and staff from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry coming back.
“For many of the children we are their dentist, this is their annual check-up,” said David Brown, Ph.D., executive associate dean, UNMC College of Dentistry.
One June 4-5 the college returns to once again offer dental services, at no cost, to children in the Panhandle region of Nebraska.
Two hundred children are expected to show up for the two-day event that takes place in four Panhandle communities – Sidney, Alliance, Chadron and Gordon. All of the children who have been pre-screened by local dentists will receive a variety of services including cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, cavity fillings, extractions, education and emergency care as needed. Total cost of services provided is estimated at $100,000.
“This event clearly shows how UNMC is serving the entire state of Nebraska. Giving children free dental care is just one way that we can ensure a healthy and vibrant future for Nebraskans,” said David Brown, Ph.D., executive associate dean, UNMC College of Dentistry.
The following is a list of participating sites:
Alliance: D.N. Taylor, Jr., D.D.S. and Paul J. Maxwell Jr., D.D.S., 916 West 10th; Box Butte General Hospital, 2101 Box Butte Ave.
Chadron: Tom Thrasher, D.D.S., Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska Dental Clinic, 221 Chadron Ave.
Gordon: Gordon Community Hospital, 300 E. Eighth St.
Sidney: Summit Dental Group – Mike Neal, D.D.S., Leasa Hlavinka, D.D.S., 2678 11 Ave.
As the state’s only academic health science center, UNMC is on the leading edge of health care. Breakthroughs are possible because hard-working researchers, educators and clinicians are resolved to work together to fuel discovery. In 2009, UNMC’s extramural research support topped $100 million for the first time, resulting in the creation of 3,600 jobs in Nebraska. UNMC’s academic excellence is shown through its award-winning programs, and its educational programs are responsible for training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution. Through its commitment to education, research, patient care and outreach, UNMC and its hospital partner, The Nebraska Medical Center, have established themselves as one of the country’s leading health care centers. UNMC’s physician practice group, UNMC Physicians, includes 550 physicians in 50 specialties and subspecialties who practice primarily in The Nebraska Medical Center. For more information, go to UNMC’s Web site at www.unmc.edu.
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