A UNMC College of Dentistry team of dental and dental hygiene students, faculty and staff provided oral health screenings for 79 Special Olympics athletes at the 2022 Special Olympics Nebraska Fall Games held in August.
The screenings were part of the Special Olympics Special Smiles Program, which provides oral health services and information for the athletes.
The college’s 21-member team was led by dental students in the UNMC Student Alliance for People of All Abilities, an organization that helps UNMC students gain experience working with individuals of all abilities. The oral health screenings included oral hygiene instruction, fluoride varnish and mouthguards.
“The Special Smiles screenings allow athletes ranging in age from six years old to adults to build relationships with an oral health care team in an informal, noninvasive setting,” said Jennifer Kallio, DDS, an assistant professor at the UNMC College of Dentistry and the local director of the Special Olympics Special Smiles Program.
Dr. Kallio is also a mom to a Special Olympics athlete, as well as a UNMC SAPA faculty mentor and the director of the college’s special patient care courses. She provided screenings for Special Olympics athletes when she was a dental student, and it is now one of her passions to train the next generation of oral health providers.
“The athletes were upbeat and wonderful to work with,” said Katelyn Smith, a fourth-year dental student. “I️ enjoyed fitting them for mouthguards so they can stay safe while competing.”
Second-year dental student Peyton Halverson enjoyed the opportunity to interact with the athletes and her classmates.
“I got valuable hands-on experience assisting the upperclassmen and the chance to interact and help the athletes with their oral health. I really enjoyed being able to ask the athletes about their sports and congratulate many on their medals,” Halverson said.
The screenings help address access to care for the athletes and provide their caregivers with information to help avoid oral health emergencies.
“Students learn the vital role of oral health care in the community and the importance of providing care to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It increases their comfort with treating patients with special health care needs when they go into practice,” Dr. Kallio said.
Kawthar Sami, a fourth-year dental hygiene student, said the event created lasting memories.
“Being able to see the athletes smile is something I will never forget. I am very happy I could help make their smiles shine a little brighter,” Sami said.