UNMC’s impact: Children’s Dental Day delivers

Editor’s Note: UNMC’s impact on Nebraska is immense.

You see it in the faces of the doctors, nurses and pharmacists we train. And, in those who pursue careers in dentistry, allied health, public health, or research.

It plays out when graduates return to rural communities to keep the pharmacy open. Or, start new practices that help patients obtain health care close to home.

UNMC’s work brings pride to a state that champions success.

So, in this year of tight Legislative budgets, let’s remind ourselves of how UNMC, along with all of the University of Nebraska campuses, impact the state.

And then acknowledge that the work we do matters.

Over the next few weeks, we will share stories on how UNMC makes a difference. We can’t begin to know every story, so feel free to add your own “impact” stories in the comments below, or share them with UNMC PR via unmcpr@unmc.edu.

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Children’s Dental Day delivers

The UNMC College of Dentistry provided dental care valued at $114,000 to 134 children from eight Nebraska communities during the annual Children’s Dental Day event held at the college in Lincoln on Feb. 2.

Ella Blacketer, 9, patiently waits while dental students examine her teeth during the annual UNMC College of Dentistry Children’s Dental Day on Feb. 2.

Since 2001, the College of Dentistry has treated more than 6,000 children and provided services valued at more than $3 million to low income and underserved children in the state.

This year children from Crete, Columbus, Hastings, Grand Island, Fremont, Omaha, Lincoln and Wakefield received care that included: cleanings, X-rays, fluoride varnish, extractions, sealants, fillings, root canals and stainless steel crowns.

All of the children participating in the event are identified and pre-screened in their communities by volunteers, including school nurses, members of faith-based organizations, Head Start, dentists and dental hygienists.

These volunteers donate their time to identify needy children, provide oral health screenings that indicate the type of care the children will need when they come to the college, and in many cases, come with the children for emotional support and translation services.

The following is a breakdown of the day:

• Number of children seen: 134
• Number of procedures: 1,142
• Dollar value of procedures: Approximately $117,693
• Average dollar value per child: Approximately $880

Impact stories:
See more stories of UNMC’s impact statewide here.